Abu Dhabi, April 09: Turkey is actively participating in political activities and economic development of the Middle Eastern countries through “soft power”, an international political expert from Turkey has said.
Dr Meliha Benli Altun Iiciq, head of International Relations at Middle East Technical University of Ankara, was giving a lecture recently at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research.
She said that Turkey is also increasing its diplomatic efforts, especially in mediation, as a third party in conflicts and territorial disputes between states and groups
She said that since 1998, Turkey sought to resolve all outstanding problems and differences between them and the regional neighbouring countries such as Iraq, Syria and Iran.
These efforts come from the principle of partnership and cooperation, where Turkey has succeeded in its aims and that is clear from the relations with Syria. The ties had been strained for a period of time due to Kurdish rebels, which have now changed to the best and partnership and cooperation strategy agreements have been signed and visas abolished between the two countries, she said.
She said that relations with Iran have also developed which is evident in the number of Iranian tourists to Turkey whose number has increased to more than one million a year with the cooperation agreements and economic partnership between the two countries
She said that Turkey’s foreign policy towards the Middle East has witnessed clear changes in recent years, most notably a drive to improve and develop its relations with its neighbours.
Dr Meliha added that the different actors in the Arab world have different views about Turkey and its importance to the region. Some of them focus on a strategic element in the balance of regional power which is constantly changing, while others see it as an important economic partner to help in the dialogue on political reform in the region.
–Agencies