Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 2
By Ali Mustafayev – Trend:
The recent series of official visits and following agreements between Turkey and Central Asian countries illustrated the policy of diversification, which Turkey currently implements, to balance the cooperation with eastern and western partners.
“Ankara’s recent rapprochement with Central Asia is not a substitute for its failing relations with Europe. However, Turkish leadership is well aware of the importance of diversifying their spheres of influence in immediate neighborhood. Thus, expanding cooperation with Russia and Central Asian republics are deemed important for Turkey’s ambition to become a global player,” political analyst, founder of Izmir Policy Centre, Bezen Coskun told Trend.
She added that Turkey has a special interest in Central Asian republics since they gained independence.
“Central Asian heritage of Turks was considered as an opportunity to reconnect with Turkic relatives in the region. At the period of the Justice and Development Party, the ideological nature of relations with Central Asian republics has changed to a pragmatic emphasis on cultural ties and trade relations,” said Coskun.
The analyst stated that in the long run, relations with Central Asian republics will increasingly become valuable for Turkey not just for energy resources but also for reinforcing Turkey’s quest for becoming an influential international actor.
Previously, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, amid his official visit to Istanbul. The presidents announced the mutual aim to strengthen ties in various spheres.
The meeting was followed by a number of agreements between the representatives of the business communities from both sides. The cost of the contracts, signed in October is worth $3.5 billion.
In September Turkish president paid a two day visit to Kazakhstan, where he met with Nursultan Nazarbayev. The countries concluded investment agreements worth $590 million.