ANKARA/ISTANBUL (Reuters) – President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has made a significant shift in his foreign policy approach, which has pleased the United States and displeased Russia. This change in direction is believed to be aimed at reversing Turkey’s economic decline and attracting foreign investment. Erdogan’s decision to welcome Sweden into NATO, despite previous resistance, was applauded by Western leaders who are working to strengthen the alliance in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. In contrast, Moscow responded negatively when Turkey allowed Ukrainian commanders to return home, which violated a Turkish-brokered prisoner swap agreement.
Analysts speculate that Erdogan’s recent actions, including declaring support for Ukraine’s NATO membership, are not coincidental. Galip Dalay of the Chatham House think-tank suggests that Erdogan is attempting to rebalance Turkey’s relationship with Russia, as it had gone too far in recent years. One of the main motivations for this shift is Turkey’s desire to improve its economy and attract foreign investments. The strained ties with the West have hindered economic growth and investment flows. While Turkey has begun to attract investments from Gulf Arab countries, more is needed to revitalize the economy.
Following Turkey’s approval for Sweden to join NATO, the United States announced its plans to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. This decision comes after months of negotiations addressing Turkish opposition. Turkish officials and the Biden administration deny any connection between Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s NATO accession and the F-16 sale. A senior Turkish official emphasizes that Turkey aims to improve relations with the West without damaging ties with Russia, and also urges the West to support Turkey financially.
Erdogan’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has played a significant role in diplomatic efforts concerning the war in Ukraine. Their ties facilitated a deal for the safe export of grain from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. However, this agreement, which Moscow is considering terminating, is set to expire on July 17. The Kremlin has announced that there are currently no plans for Putin to meet with Erdogan to discuss renewing the deal, and it remains unknown when Putin might visit Turkey.
Both Ankara and Moscow have benefited from their partnership. Turkey has refrained from imposing Western sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine invasion, allowing flights and trade to continue. Turkey also serves as a rare customer for Russian gas. On the other hand, Moscow is an important trading partner for Ankara and a major source of tourism revenue. Furthermore, Russia is constructing Turkey’s first nuclear power plant.
Despite disagreements, the Kremlin expresses its intention to develop relations with Turkey. However, it warns Turkey not to overly idealize its prospects of joining Europe, as the European Union has shown little enthusiasm for reviving Turkey’s membership talks. Aside from visa-free travel and closer trading arrangements, Erdogan hopes to involve the European Union in Turkey’s economic recovery. However, progress in areas such as democracy will be crucial for any advances in Turkey-EU relations.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s recent foreign policy shifts indicate a clear attempt to improve Turkey’s economic situation and attract foreign investment. While pleasing Western allies, these moves have soured relations with Russia. Erdogan’s decision to welcome Sweden into NATO and show support for Ukraine joining the alliance reflect a recalibration of Turkey’s foreign policy. Time will tell how these changes will impact Turkey’s economic recovery and its relations with Russia and the West.
(Reporting by Orhan Coskun and Tom Perry; writing by Tom Perry; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
