Turkey’s government has implemented a comprehensive range of initiatives that
actively promote regional cooperation and expand international partnerships,
positioning the country as a pivotal actor in Eurasian and Middle Eastern
affairs. Rooted in a strategic blend of historical connectivity, economic
integration, cultural diplomacy, and multilateral engagement, Turkey’s foreign
policy emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
These efforts encompass institutional, diplomatic, developmental, and economic
dimensions, reflecting Turkey’s ambition to bridge diverse regions through
cooperative frameworks that enhance peace, prosperity, and stability.
Strategic Vision for Regional Cooperation
Turkey’s regional approach is shaped by its geographic reality
as a Eurasian crossroads, bordering Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This
strategic location compels Ankara to foster cooperation across multiple
regions, recognizing that sustainable development and security depend on strong
ties with neighbors and beyond. The government’s foreign policy embraces the
concept of regional ownership, advocating that solutions to regional challenges
must emerge from within the regions themselves through inclusive dialogue and
joint initiatives.
One key element is Turkey’s active membership and leadership
in regional organizations such as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC),
the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Organization of Turkic
States (OTS). These platforms facilitate policy coordination, economic
collaboration, infrastructural connectivity, and cultural exchanges. Turkey’s
engagement in these bodies underlines a commitment to creating integrated
economic corridors that connect maritime routes, railways, and road networks,
boosting trade and investment flows.
Role of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA)
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, known as
TİKA, serves as the cornerstone of Turkey’s development cooperation and
regional outreach. Since its establishment in the early 1990s, TİKA has
executed thousands of projects worldwide, focusing on human resource
development, institutional capacity building, and infrastructure. Particularly
in the Western Balkans, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, TİKA’s
projects emphasize practical support such as renovating historical sites,
upgrading schools and hospitals, and improving water and sanitation systems.
Significantly, TİKA’s work in restoring Ottoman heritage
sites has both symbolic and pragmatic importance, promoting cultural ties and
mutual understanding in regions historically linked to Turkey. Financially
substantial, the agency dedicates millions annually to these interventions,
facilitating not just preservation but also tourism and economic revitalization
in partner countries. Additionally, TİKA acts as a conduit for Turkish
expertise, tailoring technical assistance to meet specific local development
needs, thereby promoting sustainable growth aligned with recipient countries’
priorities.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Diplomacy
Economic cooperation stands at the heart of Turkey’s
regional partnership strategy. Turkey’s efforts are driven by the desire to
build resilient trade networks and investment relationships that foster mutual
economic benefit. The government prioritizes trade agreements, free trade
zones, and investment promotion, enhancing Turkey’s role as a commercial hub
between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Turkey’s trade volume with Asian countries, for example, has
seen significant growth through the “Asia Anew Initiative,” which focuses on
boosting economic and trade cooperation, improving connectivity, and supporting
technological and defense partnerships. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with
countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore signal Turkey’s
intention to deepen integration in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific markets.
Moreover, Turkey’s trade and investment ties with the
Western Balkans and Central Asia are bolstered by infrastructure development
efforts, including road, rail, and energy projects. By facilitating regional
connectivity, Turkey positions itself as a key transit country on revitalized
Silk Road corridors, enhancing both goods movement and cultural interaction.
These economic engagements have contributed to diversified partnerships, with
Turkey becoming a vital stakeholder in regional value chains.
Multilateral Diplomacy and International Partnerships
Beyond bilateral relations, Turkey pursues a proactive
multilateral diplomacy approach. It plays a prominent role in international
organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, G-20, the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and various regional initiatives. Turkey’s
commitments include conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding efforts,
demonstrating an active presence in global governance.
In mediation, Turkey uniquely co-chairs Friends of Mediation
Groups simultaneously at the UN, OSCE, and OIC, promoting dialogue and
negotiation in conflict-affected regions. The country also hosts annual
Istanbul Mediation Conferences and offers capacity-building programs for
diplomats, emphasizing peaceful conflict resolution as a cornerstone of its
foreign policy.
Turkey’s alliances with NATO and strategic partnership with
the United States underpin its security commitments, emphasizing the
indivisibility of security principles. It ranks among the top contributors to
NATO operations and budget, highlighting its active role in collective defense
and international stability.
Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Ties
An important dimension of Turkey’s cooperative initiatives
is cultural diplomacy. Beyond economic and political aspects, Turkey leverages
its shared history, language, and cultural heritage to forge ties with Turkic
states, the Balkans, and Muslim communities globally. Institutions like the
International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) and the Organization of
Turkic States foster cultural, educational, and youth exchanges.
Turkey’s emphasis on respecting sovereignty and rejecting
hegemonic ambitions resonates strongly in Central Asia, where it advocates for
equality and cooperation. This approach has enhanced Turkey’s stature as a
natural partner among Turkic-speaking nations, facilitating projects that
promote social integration, academic collaboration, and infrastructural
connectivity.
In the Western Balkans, Turkey’s efforts to restore Ottoman
monuments serve both cultural preservation and a means to strengthen historic
bonds. These actions help build goodwill and a sense of shared identity, laying
foundations for deeper diplomatic and economic relations.
Impact on Social and Human Development
Turkey’s regional and international partnerships extend
decisively into social development realms. Development cooperation focuses on
education, healthcare, vocational training, and capacity building, responding
to basic needs that underpin long-term stability and prosperity.
Turkey’s development aid has notably targeted Least
Developed Countries (LDCs) in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, providing
scholarships, technical assistance, and infrastructure support. By sharing its
own development experience, Turkey equips partner countries with tools and
knowledge to foster self-sustaining growth.
In addition, humanitarian aid extends to vulnerable groups
such as refugees, minorities, and conflict-affected populations, reflecting an
inclusive and humanitarian dimension to Turkey’s foreign policy. These efforts
complement diplomatic and economic initiatives by building trust and
cooperation at grassroots levels.
Turkey’s Expanding Role in Global Economic Governance
Turkey’s growing influence also manifests in its participation
within global economic governance and research collaborations. As a member of
the G-20 and associate partner in major research programs, Turkey contributes
to shaping global economic policies and innovation frameworks.
Initiatives such as Turkey’s association with the EU Horizon
Europe research programme highlight its commitment to science, technology, and
innovation partnerships. This engagement facilitates knowledge exchange,
cooperative research, and development projects that bolster Turkey’s and
partner countries’ development trajectories.
Moreover, Turkey’s diplomatic and economic outreach is
increasingly complemented by private sector investments, aiming to deepen
bilateral ties and regional integration. The government’s efforts to attract
and channel foreign direct investment (FDI) thus connect public policy with
market dynamics, enhancing overall cooperation effectiveness.
Turkey’s government has strategically leveraged its unique
geographic and cultural position to promote regional cooperation and foster
international partnerships through multi-dimensional initiatives. Anchoring its
foreign policy in principles of mutual respect, regional ownership, and
sustainable development, Turkey actively uses institutional memberships,
economic diplomacy, cultural ties, humanitarian aid, and multilateral dialogue
to build bridges across diverse regions. These efforts enhance peace,
stability, and prosperity, positioning Turkey as a dynamic and reliable partner
on the global stage.
Turkey’s ongoing commitment to expanding trade, developing infrastructure, mediating conflicts, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting human development exemplifies a comprehensive approach that integrates political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions. As global challenges grow more complex, Turkey’s model of inclusive cooperation and strategic partnerships will likely continue to shape regional dynamics well into the future.