Turkish Foreign Policy - Definition and Overview

This article or section should be merged with Foreign relations of Turkey

Synopsis of the Turkish Foreign Policy

(source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Turkey) INTRODUCTION

In 2004 Turkey celebrates the 81st Anniversary of the Lausanne Peace Treaty, which is one of the founding documents of the modern Turkish Republic that emerged from the ruins of the Ottoman Empire. Guided by the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey has been pursuing a policy of “Peace at Home and Peace Abroad” since the establishment of the Republic in 1923. Consequently, the Republic of Turkey with her democratic and secular political system, robust free market economy that is in a Customs Union with the European Union, social tradition of reconciling modernity with cultural identity, pursues a foreign policy that is a generator of security and stability in her region and beyond.

The primary objective of Turkish foreign policy is to help secure and nurture a peaceful, stable, prosperous and cooperative regional and international environment that is conducive to human development at home as well as in the neighboring countries and beyond.

Turkey pursues this objective by following a principled and proactive foreign policy that employs a broad spectrum of peaceful means. These entail, inter-alia, membership in the NATO Alliance and integration with the European Union, taking the lead in regional cooperation processes, promoting good neighborly relations and economic cooperation, extending humanitarian aid and assistance to the less fortunate, participating in peacekeeping operations, and contributing to the resolution of disputes as well as post-conflict reconciliation and reconstruction.

As a cosmopolitan state in a multicultural global community, Turkey employs a multidimensional foreign policy that reconciles the West with the East and the North with the South and is active in all continents. She serves by way of her geographic disposition and close historical and cultural ties across a vast landscape as a crucial bridge for dialogue and interaction between civilizations at the heart of Eurasia.

The multidimensional character of Turkish foreign policy finds expression in and is best reflected by its membership in a wide range of leading international and regional organizations, such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), along with her candidature to membership in the EU.

In hosting two important summits this year in June, namely the OIC Ministers of Foreign Affairs Conference followed by the NATO Summit Meetings of Heads of State and Government, Turkey displayed her commitment to multilateral cooperation in the context of her multidimensional relations. These consecutive summits gave visibility to the important role it plays in strategic cooperation at a vital junction between different cultures.

To this end, Turkey seeks to nurture a culture of understanding and cooperation between civilizations. The international symposium on harmony and civilizations hosted in Istanbul in October which brought together academic circles from both the EU and OIC as a follow up to the EU-OIC Joint Forum held in Istanbul shortly after the tragic events of September 11, served to further promote the crucial dialogue between civilizations.

EVOLUTION OF THE TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY

In the post-Lausanne era, the focus of the new Republic was on internal structuring. Externally, efforts were directed at resolving the problems pending from the Lausanne negotiations, including the Ottoman debt and border issues. Relations with neighboring countries were marked by a cooperative spirit and mutual understanding. In the mid-1930’s, as the international environment was rapidly deteriorating, Turkey endeavored to form a security belt on its western and eastern borders. She played a leading role in the establishment of the Balkan Entente (Turkey, Greece, Romania, Yugoslavia) in 1934, and the Saadabad Pact (Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan) in 1937. The Montreux Convention, reinstating her sovereignty over the strategic Turkish Straits, and regulating navigation through them, was signed in 1936.

Abiding by the principles of the Republic born merely 16 years before the start of World War II, Turkey remained a non-belligerent ally of the anti-Nazi coalition until the concluding months of the conflict when she joined the war merely to take her place in the new world order.

In the wake of World War II, Turkey became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 and joined the Council of Europe in 1949. As a result of the growing threats to security in Europe, she joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1952. In 1963, Turkey became an Associate Member of the European Economic Community, the forerunner of the European Union. In the period of détente in Europe, Turkey was able to place more emphasis on developing her relations with the Eastern European countries and the Soviet Union, her northern neighbor.

The dramatic changes that occurred in Europe in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, that is the collapse of totalitarian regimes, the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, the disintegration of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the emergence of new independent states, the reunification of Germany, and the spread of pluralist democracy and free market economies, brought the East-West rivalry and the bipolar system to an end. At the same time, the world witnessed the emergence of new threats to security, such as ethnic nationalism, xenophobia, irredentism, religious fundamentalism and international terrorism, giving rise to regional instability and conflicts, and casting a shadow over the initial optimism engendered by the prospects for a new peaceful era.

In the post-Cold War period, Turkey found herself at the centre of a large landscape, Eurasia, stretching from Europe to Central Asia. This area is destined to gain increasing geopolitical significance in the new millennium. Turkey, with her experience in democracy and economic development, and making use of the multiple ties with the vast majority of the countries in the area, has been able to take part in their transformation efforts.

In this regard, she has spearheaded the formation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), which can be seen as the first successful attempt to capitalize on the post-Cold War spirit. Turkey has also played a leading role in the formation of a Naval Task Force for the Black Sea (BLACKSEAFOR) among the coastal states designed to respond to “soft” security challenges such as emergencies at sea and environmental disasters. On the other hand, the membership of another regional body, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), originally founded by Turkey together with Iran and Pakistan, was expanded at Turkey’s initiative to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and the Central Asian Republics.

In the post-Cold War era, international peacekeeping has gained new significance and Turkey has participated in many peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations, among others such as those in Somalia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo and Georgia. Moreover, Turkey assumed the command of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF II) and contributed around 1400 troops to this endeavor between June 2002 and February 2003. She currently continues to provide support to ISAF with approximately 250 military personel. Moreover, according to the rotation plan adopted by NATO, the 3rd Corps stationed in Istanbul (NRDC-TU) will assume command of ISAF VII between February and August 2005.

Turkey’s commitment to peace keeping across the globe continues through its participation in and support for various UN, NATO and EU led missions.

REGIONAL POLICIES THE EUROPEAN UNION: TOWARDS ACCESSION

On May 1st Europe celebrated the end of the artificial division of the Continent with the historic enlargement of the Union from a membership of 15 to the current 25. Two other candidates, Bulgaria and Romania stand next in line to join the Union by 2007 and Turkey anticipates to start negotiations early next year as part of the current enlargement process which has been characterized as continuous, inclusive and irreversible in nature. Croatia and Macedonia have also applied for full membership in the Union, the former of which is expected to start accession negotiations in 2005.

In this respect, 2004 has proven to be an extremely important one for the Union and will also have a critical bearing on Turkey-EU relations in view of the prospective decision to be taken at years end to further Turkey’s accession process with the initiation of accession negotiations.

The first time ever visit in the 40 odd years of Turkey’s association with the EU of the President of the EU Commission Mr. Romano Prodi in January set a positive tone for this decisive year.

Turkey and the European Union are presently focused on the issue of opening accession talks in early 2005 in line with the conclusions of the 2002 Copenhagen European Council according to which, the EU will commence accession negotiations with Turkey without delay, if in December 2004 the European Council decides, on the basis of the report and recommendation of the Commission that the Copenhagen political criteria have been fulfilled. This commitment was subsequently reaffirmed at the Brussels European Council in June 2004.

On the 6th of October 2004 the Commission issued its Progress Report on Turkey, along with an impact assessment of Turkey’s membership and its Recommendation on Turkey’s progress towards accession.

The Commission has thereby provided an extensive assessment of the steps taken by Turkey towards harmonization with the Union and the political and social transformation she has undergone since the Helsinki European Council in 1999, where she was officially recognized as a candidate country destined to join the Union on the basis of the same criteria as applied to the other candidates.

Accordingly, the Commission has determined that Turkey has sufficiently met the Copenhagen political criteria and explicitly recommended the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey.

Thus, the vigorous agenda of reform pursued by Turkey and the colossal legislative effort realized, which has included such measures as the comprehensive Constitutional amendments in October 2001 and May 2004, new Civil and Penal Codes and eight reform packages, has been acknowledged by the Commission’s recommendation.

While some of the Commission’s proposals relating to the negotiation process and procedures differ from past practice and criteria and methods applied to the other candidates, Turkey believes that at the end of the day the principle of “pacta sund servanda” and the letter and spirit of the Helsinki European Council Conclusions referred to above will be upheld by the EU Member States.

The Commission’s recommendation to open accession negotiations is an historic step that paves the way for a decision to this effect at the Brussels European Council in December this year.

Turkey anticipates that the Commission’s recommendation will be matched by strong political will on the part of the Union’s political leadership.

Turkey thereby hopes to bring a long traveled road towards the strategic objective of full membership in the Union to its final lap with the initiation of accession negotiations in the first half of 2005.

The initiation of accession negotiations with Turkey will demonstrate that the EU is determined to unify Europe without creating new dividing lines. Turkey’s membership to the EU is an historical mission both for the EU and Turkey that will reaffirm the common values that constitute the very basis of the EU and usher in a new era in world affairs.

Turkey is an intrinsic part of the European system of democratic values and can make a major contribution to the dialogue and harmony of civilizations within the EU and beyond. The pioneering project of European integration would be incomplete without Turkey’s membership to the EU. Also in strategic terms, Europe would have a more compelling voice in world and regional affairs with the inclusion of Turkey which has woven an intricate web of peaceful relations in a multitude of geographies and can, as a secular pluralistic democracy, be a source of inspiration for other nations desiring reform in her extended region.

THE UNITED STATES

The relations between Turkey and the United States are based on strong ties of friendship and alliance. During the Cold War years, the security aspect of the relationship became more pronounced, particularly following the Truman Doctrine and Turkey’s membership to NATO. In the ensuing post-Cold War environment, the strategic relations between Turkey and the US, which have stood the test of time and have remained strong, gathering both breadth and depth over the years, continue to move forward in the pursuit of common interests upon harmonized approaches and shared values.

The Turkish-American relationship is also essential for the maintenance of peace, stability and prosperity as well as the preservation of freedom and democracy in the wider geographies of mutual concern. Hence, Turkey and the US continue to closely consult, coordinate and cooperate with each other, as appropriate, in conflict prevention and crisis management, containing regional conflicts, curbing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and combating international terrorism and extremism of all sorts, illegal drug trafficking and other manifestations of organized transnational crime.

Turkey believes that there is an immense potential yet to be tapped in relations with the United States particularly in the economic, trade, investment, science and technology fields. Turkey desires the U.S. to facilitate unhindered access of Turkish goods to its market. The diversification and deepening of the ties including at the grass-roots level would help realize the promise of the partnership between the two long-standing allies.

The official visit of Prime Minister Erdoğan to Washington at the beginning of the year and the official visit paid by President George W. Bush to Turkey in June both served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and give direction to the future course of cooperation between the two countries.

CYPRUS

Cyprus came to the forefront of the international community’s agenda this year with the diplomatic initiative taken by Turkey in January 2004 for the resumption of negotiations between the parties on the Island with a view to reaching a comprehensive settlement in this long pending issue.

The political resolve demonstrated by Turkey for a solution that would enable a united Cyprus to join the EU on May 1st led to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s invitation issued to the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders together with the representatives of Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom to meet in New York in February to make arrangements for the resumption of the talks on the basis of the Secretary General’s comprehensive settlement plan. The object of the pursuant intense round of negotiations held under UN auspices first on the Island from 19 February to 22 March 2004 between the two parties and then subsequently in Burgenstock, Switzerland between 24-31 March 2004 with the participation of also both motherlands Turkey and Greece, was to finalize the Annan Plan for submission to separate simultaneous referenda on both sides of the Island prior to May 1st so that, depending on the outcome of the referenda, the opportunity could be seized for a united Cyprus to accede to the Union.

The final revised version of the Annan Plan for a comprehensive settlement presented to the Parties on 31 March by the Secretary General was submitted to a simultaneous but separate referenda in the North and South of Cyprus on 24 April 2004. The Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly voted in favor of the Annan Plan by casting 65% of their votes for a settlement that would also provide for the accession of a united Island to the EU. However, ironically the Greek Cypriots, while the side to reject a solution with a ‘No’ vote of 76%, acceded to the EU on May 1st. This accession upset the balance in the Island.

Turkey has consistently advocated a freely negotiated, comprehensive and viable settlement in Cyprus. It has placed its full support behind the UN Secretary General’s good offices mission and cooperated closely with him in the entire process leading up to the referenda, thereby, demonstrating its political will to bring an end to the division of the Island. Such a solution, if accepted, would have permitted for the unification of the Island under the banner of a United Cyprus Republic with a federal government and two equal constituent states, namely that of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots.

The outcome of the referenda of 24 April has created a new state of affairs. The international community has gone on record that the Turkish Cypriots who courageously affirmed their support for a solution should not be unduly penalized for the way the vote went on the other side of the Island, where the Greek Cypriots in fact “ rejected the solution itself rather than the mere plan”, as noted in the UN Secretary General’s report on his mission of good offices in Cyprus, issued on 28 May 2004.

By supporting the comprehensive plan, prepared by the parties under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, Turkey and Turkish Cypriots have fulfilled their responsibilities towards finding a comprehensive solution to the problem, within the good-offices mission of the Secretary General.

It is now up to the international community to bring an end to the political, economic, social and cultural isolation that the Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to and lift the unjust economic embargo imposed for decades. The UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in his above mentioned report states that “in the aftermath of the vote, the situation of the Turkish Cypriots calls for the attention of the international community as a whole, including the Security Council” and that “the Turkish Cypriot vote has undone any rationale for pressuring and isolating them”. The Secretary General also calls on the members of the Security Council to give a strong lead to all States to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development.

Following the referenda, EU and several international bodies alongside a number of countries on a bilateral basis, have made some efforts for the elimination of the unjust embargo and restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriots. However, it has not been possible to break the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots or to heal the wounds of their bitter past experiences. The core reason behind this situation, undoubtedly, is the negative stance of the Greek Cypriot side that has been obstructing all positive steps to improve the situation of the Turkish Cypriots by exploiting its EU membership, effective as of 1 May 2004.

Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continue to support the efforts towards a lasting and comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem based on a partnership of political equality.

GREECE

In regard to our relations with neighboring Greece, Turkey acts on her conviction that the natural state of affairs with Greece is one of close cooperation, alliance and confidence. There is overwhelmingly more that binds the two countries and their two peoples than what is purported to separate them. The surge in recent years of people-to-people contacts and grass-roots dialogue as well as the developing cooperation among the respective governments is clear evidence to that effect. While major progress has been achieved through the process of dialog since 1999 in attaining this homeostasis in relations between Turkey and Greece, there remains much more to be done.

The start of a rapprochement process between Turkey and Greece in recent years has led to the signing of 25 agreements in various fields such as trade, tourism, environment, culture, energy, transportation and security related issues. New communication tracks established, namely the reciprocal visits of the Foreign Ministers, the working group meetings under the guidance of the Steering Committee, political consultations, talks on confidence building measures and the exploratory contacts on the Aegean have continued on a regular basis.

Frequent high level contacts and reciprocal visits have also been both instrumental in and a by-product of this process of rapprochement. The promising and constructive tone that have begun to define bilateral relations culminated with the official visit paid by Prime Minister Erdoğan to Greece in May this year, after an interval of 16 years since the last visit of a Turkish Prime Minister. On this occasion Prime Minister Erdoğan also paid a visit to Western Thrace where a large Turkish minority resides.

The mutual desire to bridge differences through dialogue and promote close cooperation in the better interest of both countries has also reflected positively on other dimensions of our relations, such as trade and tourism. While the balance of trade between the two countries stood at 695 million Dollars in 1999, today this figure is in the range of 1.5 billion Dollars. In 1998, 160 thousand Greek tourists visited Turkey whereas in 2003 Turkey was the choice of destination for 400 thousand Greek tourists.

A series of Confidence Building Measures adopted and being implemented by the two countries continues to foster a favorable climate for greater cooperation on numerous issues of common interest. Turkey also closely cooperated with Greece on security and logistic arrangements for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Turkey hopes that the improvement in bilateral relations will continue in the coming period, allowing the settlement of all issues, and resulting in a climate of habitual cooperation beneficial to the two countries as well as peace, stability and security in the region as a whole.

THE BALKANS

The Balkans as a region has played a significant role in European and world history. This strategically sensitive region is Turkey’s gateway to continental Europe. Important ties exist between the peoples of Turkey and the Balkan countries, which in effect mirror Turkey’s close ties with the region.

The Balkans have been a fertile ground for conflicts that have characterized the fundamental change in the political and security environment in the region during the post-Cold War era. Turkey attaches importance to the creation of an atmosphere of understanding and peaceful cohabitation through closer ties among the Balkan countries, which would lead to the preservation of peace and stability in the region. In this respect, Turkey has been at the forefront of international efforts to settle the Bosnian and Kosovo conflicts. She has played a leading role in the launching of major initiatives such as the Southeastern European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and the Multinational Peace Force Southeast Europe (MPFSEE)/Southeastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) and has also supported efforts of the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe and the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI). As of July 2003, Turkey has assumed the Chairmanship of the Coordination Committee of the Southeast Europe Defense Ministerial Process (SEDM/CC) as well as the Chairmanship of the Political Military Steering Committee of the Multinational Peace Force Southeast Europe (PMSC-MPFSEE) for a duration of two years.

Turkey continues to vigilantly keep watch over the peace and stability in this region through its contributions to KFOR and the police mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), to SFOR and the EU police mission (EUPM) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as the EU led Police Mission “Proxima” in Macedonia. THE MIDDLE EAST

A land of natural wealth and great promise, the Middle East has unfortunately experienced turmoil and conflict for decades. Turkey has been negatively affected by the instability in the region and has a strong interest in the resolution of its problems. Given the deep historical and cultural ties with the countries and peoples of the region, Turkey feels a moral responsibility to actively contribute to the efforts to transform the region into one of lasting peace, security, prosperity and intense cooperation.

To that effect, Turkey has a vision for the Middle East which is based on her experience in democratization, the rule of law, economic liberalization, integration, regional cooperation and the fight against terrorism. Turkey has been putting particular emphasis on such key concepts as political and economic participation, democratization, good governance, accountability and gender equality, as well as non- proliferation and transparency in military affairs. This vision also offers to share the valuable and unique experience accrued as a result of decades long participation and leadership in cooperation in Europe-wide processes, as well as sub-regional fora in the Balkans and the Black Sea area. Turkey stands ready to support the local initiatives of the countries of the region in their home-grown desire for reform.

In this context, Turkey participated as a democratic partner in the G-8 Summit held in Sea Island in June 2004 and has assumed the co-chairmanship, along with Italy and Yemen, of the Democracy Assistance Dialogue, one of the mechanisms created within the scope of the Broader Middle East and Northern Africa (BMENA) initiative.

Turkey believes that a lasting peace, security and stability in the Middle East can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. The Quartet Road Map offers in that regard a valuable opportunity that should be seized by the parties. Turkey supports the vision for the region, where two states, Israel and Palestine, will live side by side within secure and recognized borders, and for that matter views UNSC Resolution 1397 as an important step toward this end.

For her part, Turkey actively contributes to efforts by the international community to achieve peace in the Middle East. Regrettably Turkey views the current climate of the counter productive spiral of violence propelled by acts of terror, target assassinations, disproportionate and excessive use of force towards civilians as well as unilateral steps towards disengagement as developments that do not bode well for the prospects of peace. Turkey is profoundly distressed by the present circumstances which prevent the region from seizing the promise that peace and stability has in store for the prosperity of the peoples of the Middle East. Benefiting from the traditional and excellent relations with both parties, Turkey can play a “facilitator role” to complement efforts to this end. Upon the request of both the Palestinian Authority and Israel, Turkey also participates in the “Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH).” IRAQ

Turkey suffered the most due to humanitarian, economic and security problems in the developments since the occupation of Kuwait by Iraq. As a result Turkey has consistently followed the developments with regard to Iraq with great caution.

Today although the situation has completely changed in Iraq, unfortunately the cycle of violence still continues unabated. Turkey is concerned with the lack of security and stability in Iraq. Turkey’s role as a democratic neighbor and a major supplier of essential goods, services and humanitarian assistance to Iraq has become crucial at this time of change. Yet, Turkey has been also suffering from the on-going violence and lawlesness in terms of human lives and material damage.

Restoration of stability, preservation of the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, and the establishment of a fully representative government representing all segments of the society along with effective and speedy reconstruction of Iraq are matters of vital concern not only for Turkey but also for the entire region.

The transfer of authority to the Interim Government was the first step towards normalization. However, the road ahead to political stability is still replete with many dangers and threats. Turkey is committed to assisting the Interim Government in its daunting task to deliver on security, stability and prosperity for Iraq.

Turkey remains preoccupied with the state of anarchy and turmoil in Iraq just across its borders and looks forward to the early restoration of stability. The deteriorating security situation is a matter of serious concern for all countries contributing to the humanitarian efforts to rehabilitate, reconstruct and reinstate law and order in Iraq.

Currently Turkey contributes to the reconstruction of Iraq through the supply of a large variety of goods and services. Consequently, it has been directly affected by the circumstances in Iraq where regrettably more than 30 Turkish citizens employed by private companies in the transport, construction and various other sectors have lost their lives. Given the humane dimension and the adverse implications on our trade as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, the Turkish Government has introduced measures to ensure the safety of its citizens traveling to Iraq. It has also urged the Interim Government, the Multinational Force and the US to provide adequate security to Turkish citizens and vehicles stationed in Iraq.

Turkey also has legitimate concerns arising from the continuing presence of terrorist cells in Northern Iraq which pose a threat to its national security. It will not allow terrorists to use the territory of a neighboring country to carry out terrorist attacks against Turkey.

Turkey closely follows developments with regard to the attempts to change the demographic character of Kirkuk. It believes this city should become a show case of unity and harmony among all ethnic groups, namely the Turkomans, Kurds, Arabs and Assyrians etc.

Turkey continues to play a leading role in the consultation mechanism between Iraq and its neighbors. Turkey launched this initiative in January 2003 prior to the US-led operation in an attempt for a joint effort to give peace a last chance. This process which to date has held six consecutive meetings has proved to be a useful forum to exchange views on developments with respect to Iraq. Since the fifth meeting held in Kuwait in February 2004, Iraq has also been participating in this forum. The Foreign Ministers of countries neighboring Iraq and of the region also convened on an informal basis on the sidelines of the 31st OIC Ministers of Foreign Affairs Conference, held in Istanbul on 14-16 June 2004.

Turkey welcomes the initiative of Egypt to host an International Conference on Iraq in November 2004. This does not however constitute an alternative to the established process of consultations among the neighboring countries and Iraq, which has proven its merit.

Turkey wishes to see peace, stability and security promptly restored in a democratic Iraq, free from terror, at peace with itself and its neighbors and fully reintegrated with the international community. Turkey believes that the elections to take place as scheduled in January 2005 will constitute an important step towards the realization of these objectives. RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Russia has traditionally been an important neighbor for Turkey throughout history. The dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of the Russian Federation marked a new phase in Turkish-Russian relations. Both countries share the aim of working towards the enhancement of peace, stability and economic prosperity in the region. The changes that have taken place on the international scene and new threats and challenges that have emerged to peace and stability throughout various parts of the world have proved that strengthening cooperation between Turkey and Russia is an important aspect of security, stability and welfare both at the global and regional level. Currently, mutual trust, friendship and cooperation form the basis of good neighborly relations, which Turkey seeks to further develop to serve the mutual interests of both countries.

Tangible results of cooperation can be observed in the fields of economy and energy. The agreement signed between Turkey and Russia for the transportation of Russian natural gas to Turkey via an underwater pipeline in the Black Sea, known as the Blue Stream, is an example of that cooperation.

Moreover, reciprocal visits between Turkey and the Russian Federation have served to strengthen bilateral ties and diversify areas of cooperation between the two countries. The signing of the “Action Plan for Cooperation between Turkey and the Russian Federation in Eurasia” on November 16, 2001 demonstrated the willingness of both sides to upgrade and expand their bilateral cooperation to a multidimensional partnership.

Bilateral relations gained a new momentum with the official visit of Foreign Minister Gül to Russia in February 2004. This was the first official visit at the level of Foreign Minister from Turkey to the Russian Federation in 8 years. During the visit, Foreign Minister Gül held fruitful and comprehensive talks with President Vladimir Putin and former Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. Both sides reiterated their determination to elevate bilateral cooperation to a level consistent with a multidimensional partnership.

Foreign Minister Gül paid another visit to Moscow in May 2004, within the framework of a ministerial delegation of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, to exchange views with Russia, as a member of the Quartet, on the situation in the Middle East. The visit also served as an opportunity for Minister Gül to also meet with Foreign Minister Lavrov in a bilateral context.

The scheduled visit of President Putin to Turkey this past September, was postponed due to the tragic events that occurred in Beslan. The anticipated visit of President Putin in the period ahead, a visit to take place at this level to Turkey after an interval of some 30 odd years, will provide an important opportunity to enhance bilateral ties and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

SOUTHERN CAUCASUS

Peace, stability and cooperation in the neighboring Caucasus are vitally important for Turkey who enjoys close political, economic, social and cultural ties with the peoples of the region. The tense situation in Georgia prior to the political transition that took place at the end of last year and more recent frictions in Ajaria this year once again underscored the fragility of stability in this part of the world.

While the region offers great potential for the well-being of its inhabitants, it is held back by a number of conflicts. Turkey therefore makes every effort to contribute to the peaceful resolution of the “frozen conflicts” including in Nagorno-Karabakh and Abkhazia, the overall reduction of tension in the area, as well as promoting closer interaction and integration of the countries of the region with the world at large, and the Euro-Atlantic community in particular. This region is also of strategic importance for stability and prosperity in the wider context of Eurasia due to its energy resources and pipeline corridors.

Turkey, who recognized the independence of all three states of the region without discrimination in 1991 upon the demise of the USSR, has developed a close partnership with Azerbaijan with which she shares a common language, culture and history. Turkey has been a staunch supporter of Azerbaijan in its efforts to overcome the difficulties it faced as a newly independent state. The consolidation of Azerbaijan’s independence, the preservation of its territorial integrity and the realization of its economic potential arising from the rich natural resources of the Caspian Sea are main areas of interest for Turkey. The excellent relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan continue to flourish under the political leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, son of the late statesman Haydar Aliyev.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict stands as the principal obstacle to political stability, economic development and regional cooperation in the Caucasus. As a member of the Minsk Group within the framework of the OSCE, Turkey considers the Minsk Process as a useful mechanism for a peaceful, lasting and just settlement of the conflict. She also supports direct and indirect bilateral talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. With the aim of playing a facilitator role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and exchanging views on other regional issues, Turkey also initiated a forum for dialogue among the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia. The first such meeting was held in Reykjavik in May 2002 and the parties agreed to pursue their contacts within this framework. Accordingly, a similar meeting under this format was held during the NATO Istanbul Summit on 28-29 June 2004.

Turkey is willing to normalize its relations with Armenia, should this country adopt policies that are compatible with good neighborly relations. Turkey hopes that Yerevan comes to the realization that its breach of basic principles of international law and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, as well as its pursuit of confrontational policies together with the Armenian diaspora prevent Armenia from establishing diplomatic ties with Turkey.

Turkey has also close partnership relations with Georgia. Preservation of the territorial integrity and further developing the existing ties with Georgia are of great importance for Turkey. The Abkhazian and South Ossetian conflicts endanger peace and stability not only in Georgia, but also in the entire region. Turkey has consistently supported a peaceful resolution of these conflicts within the framework of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia. The resolution of these problems is essential for the preservation of stability in the whole region. The political transition to a new leadership in Georgia and the peaceful manner in which recent tensions in Ajaria were overcome represented important developments for consolidating democracy and stability in this neighboring country.

The visits of Georgian President Saakashvili to Turkey and the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan to Georgia, respectively in May and August 2004, gave a fresh impetus to the traditionally excellent relations between Turkey and neighboring Georgia under its new leadership.

Turkey has also brought all the countries of the region into the fold of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization in a bid to promote an environment of confidence and cooperation among regional actors. CENTRAL ASIA

Turkish people have close cultural ties and linguistic affinities with the peoples of Central Asia. Turkey therefore attaches high priority to the strong bonds and close relations it has cultivated with the countries of the region.

Having rekindled its ties with the Central Asian States following their independence, Turkey pursues a policy aimed at further enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

It also promotes solidarity with and among these partners that share a common history, culture and language through such initiatives as the Summits of Turkish-Speaking Countries, the first of which was held in Ankara in 1992 and brings together Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan in a platform for a high level exchange.

Turkey continues to expand trade relations with these countries, with which it currently has a trade volume of 1.163 billion dollars (2003). Turkey seeks to support these nations in their democratic and economic development, through, inter-alia, significant loans, technical assistance, scholarships, civil service training opportunities as well as military assistance and training.

ENERGY RESOURCES Turkey is geographically in close proximity to 70 percent of the world’s proven energy resources, in particular to those in the Middle East and the Caspian Sea basin. With regard to the transportation of oil and gas reserves of the Caspian Sea area, the route across eastern Turkey, connecting the energy fields to the Mediterranean, offers the most direct, cost-effective, technologically and environmentally feasible and safe option. The transportation of such large volumes of oil by tankers through the narrow and congested Turkish Straits is not a sustainable option.

Consequently, Turkey has concentrated her efforts for the transportation of Caspian oil and gas reserves to Western markets on the realization of an East-West Energy Corridor. The pipeline projects linking the Caucasus and Central Asia to Europe will be essential for the region’s integration with the West. Secure and commercially profitable pipelines will help bring stability and prosperity to the region. At this juncture, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Main Export Crude Oil Pipeline (BTC) project is intended for both Central Asian and Azerbaijani oil. The legal framework of the BTC oil pipeline project was finalized by the end of 2000. The detailed engineering process was completed by June 2002. The third and last phase, namely the construction stage of the BTC project, which will last 32 months, was launched in September 2002 and the ground-breaking ceremony took place in September 2002 at Sangachal, Azerbaijan with the participation of the Presidents of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia and the US Secretary of Energy. Furthermore, in October 2002 Turkey and Azerbaijan and, in December 2002 Turkey and Georgia approved the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for the BTC project. The first tanker to carry Caspian oil is expected to be loaded from Ceyhan by the second half of 2005.

Regional energy trends played an important role in the determination of the pipeline route. The BTC pipeline will not only transport Caspian oil to Western markets in a safe manner, but will also contribute to the safety of navigation, preservation of the environment and the security of the 15 million inhabitants of Istanbul, by placing less of a burden on the Turkish Straits, currently highly congested due to the heavy volume of oil tanker passage.

The BTC project will provide a sound and viable alternative for Europe, for a steady, secure and cost-effective energy supply diversification. It constitutes the most environmentally safe, strategically sound and economically viable route. Turkey thus will facilitate the requirements for secure transportation of Caspian oil and natural gas to the world markets.

The other important project of the East-West Energy Corridor is the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE) Natural Gas Pipeline, which will carry Azeri natural gas to Turkey through Georgia. It is also the first leg of the Trans-Caspian Pipeline project which is to pump Turkmen natural gas to Europe. The legal framework of the project has been completed and the delivery of Azeri natural gas is scheduled to begin in 2006.

The transportation of Caspian oil and gas resources through multiple pipelines will enable the European countries both to diversify and secure their energy supply. The interconnection of the gas pipeline networks of Turkey and Greece within the south European gas ring project will also constitute an essential component of Europe’s energy diversification efforts in the future. The incorporation of Turkey’s energy network with that of the EU was realized with the conclusion of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Turkey-Greece Interconnector signed in February 2003 and the Sale and Purchase Agreement between BOTAŞ and DEPA in December 2003. In this respect, Turkey stands as an important energy partner for Europe and its energy strategy is consistent with the EU’s energy security policy. Energy strategy is an area of cooperation between Turkey and the EU.

AFGHANISTAN

Turkey and Afghanistan have historically enjoyed close relations that derive their strength from the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two peoples. Afghanistan was the second country to recognize Turkey upon the proclamation of the Republic and close cooperation between the two countries was further strengthened under the leadership of Ataturk and Emanullah Han. In the early years of its statehood Afghanistan was inspired by the reforms of the young Turkish Republic, which provided assistance in the establishment of important Afghan state organs, ministries, universities, hospitals, cultural institutions and its army.

Turkey attaches great importance to the independence, national unity and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and the well-being and prosperity of the Afghan people. Turkey believes that it is essential to have a democratic, broad-based, representative political structure in Afghanistan in order to establish lasting peace and stability throughout the whole country.

Her commitment to the restoration of peace and stability as well as the reconstruction effort in this country, as a close friend of Afghanistan and a member of the international coalition against terrorism, finds expression in Turkey’s support for the Bonn Process and the Central Government. Moreover, Turkey who has participated in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) since its inception, later also assumed the command of ISAF II between June 2002 and February 2003. In accordance with the rotation plan adopted by NATO, the 3rd Corps stationed in Istanbul (NRDC-TU) will assume command of ISAF VII between February and August 2005. Turkey presently contributes to this force with approximately 250 personnel and has dispatched three general purpose helicopters for its operations, while also providing training for the Afghan National Army and Police Force. Turkey has similarly undertaken a number of reconstruction projects in the fields of education, health and agriculture.

Moreover, the Turkish Government pledged 5 million dollars for a period of 5 years for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, at the Tokyo Conference in 2002. The total of Turkey’s contributions to Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts during the last two years has already reached this amount. Considering the needs of the Afghan people, Turkey has recently decided to double its pledge and make an additional contribution of 5 million dollars for a period of 3 years.

Accordingly, Turkey has actively taken part in the endeavors to reach the goals declared in the Bonn Agreement and to help Afghanistan take her rightful place within the international community. She is determined to continue to support Afghanistan in the challenges it faces on the path towards becoming a country liberated from terrorism, violence and radicalism, and in rebuilding a nation of peace, security and prosperity.

The Presidential elections held on 9 October, constituted a major step towards the establishment of a permanent political structure in this country, which will be further consolidated with the Parliamentary elections planned to be held in April 2005.

Turkey will continue to assist the Afghani people on their path towards stability, democracy and in their labors to rebuild their country.

TERRORISM

Terrorism, whether carried out individually or collectively, poses a severe threat to international peace and security. Terrorism is a crime against humanity that violates fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life, and can have no justification under any circumstances. It is an evil that strikes at the very core of democracy, civil society as well as economic and social development. Turkey has deeply felt the effects of terrorism. The foreign-sponsored campaign of violence and terrorism which targeted Turkey for many years has been curbed to a large degree as a result of concerted efforts and the perseverance of all segments of the population.

The terrorist attacks perpetrated against the United States of America on September 11, 2001, have demonstrated the severity of the threat that terrorism poses to mankind, and underlined the need for solidarity and concerted international action in the global fight against terrorism. Turkey was among the very first to join the global coalition mobilized to defeat terrorism. In November 2003, Turkey was also the unfortunate target of the wave of terrorist attacks in major cities across the world during this past year.

In order for the fight against terrorism to succeed, it has to be seen in the right perspective. Terrorism cannot be associated with any religion, culture, geography or ethnic group. The fight against terrorism is thus the common fight of the civilized world.

The fight against terrorism should be a comprehensive effort. The UN Security Council Resolution 1373 provides a valuable basis for the broad efforts to counter terrorism.

In the context of the required international solidarity in the fight against terrorism, the decision of the European Union in May 2002 to include PKK, a separatist/terrorist organization and the extreme leftist DHKP-C in the list of terrorist organizations, followed by its decision in April 2004 to include KADEK and KONGRA-GEL, both aliases of PKK in the said list, constitutes a positive development.

NEW HORIZONS OF TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY In the aftermath of the Cold War, changing circumstances have levied on Turkey a special responsibility to actively contribute to the preservation of regional and global peace and stability.

Turkey is committed to living up to this historic task, with a clear vision for the future. Turkey has contributed troops, and observers to international missions within the framework of the United Nations, NATO, the EU and the OSCE, from Somalia through Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Macedonia to Hebron, Georgia, East Timor and most recently Afghanistan.

There are two major objectives that drive Turkish foreign policy vision for the future. The first goal is to make Turkey an integral part of Europe’s unification process. Historically, geographically and economically, Turkey is a European country. It is therefore quite natural that she should become a full member of the European Union, sooner rather than later. A decision by the EU this coming December to initiate accession negotiations with Turkey without delay, following the Commission recommendation to that effect, will mark the beginning of the final lap of a road traveled towards this objective for the past 41 years. Turkey brings the contemporary standards of democracy, secularism, free market economy, good governance and habitual regional cooperation to the threshold of the Middle East and Eurasia.

Secondly, Turkey aims to proactively pursue the goal of helping to create an environment of security, stability, prosperity, friendship and cooperation all around herself at the natural convergence point of Europe, the Caucasus, the Black Sea, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Turkey will benefit in this quest from her numerous assets, including its pluralistic democracy and secular political system, tradition of modernity, free enterprising economy, diversified industrial base, a highly capable army that is experienced in peacekeeping. The political, economic and security initiatives Turkey has launched, which encompass diverse regions, will also be instrumental in attaining this goal.

Turkey’s pursuit to make the world a better and safer place also corresponds to the ideals enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, of which it is a founding member. Accordingly, Turkey has announced its candidature to the UN Security Council for the term 2009-2010 in a bid to assume an active role as a member of the Council devoted to the maintenance of international peace and security.

Last Updated: 22.11.2004