Author: Ismail Numan Telci
Affiliation: Sakarya University /Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM)
Organization/Publisher: Al Jazeera Centre for Studies
Date/Place: August, 2021/Doha, Qatar
Type of Literature: Analysis Paper
Number of Pages: 16
Keywords: Turkey, Algeria, Foreign Policy, Cooperation, Mediterranean
Brief:
Ismail Numan Telci, vice president of Center for Middle Eastern Studies, analyses the emergence of convergence and cooperation in the Turkish-Algerian relations. Telci highlights the areas in which both countries could have interests to enhance their cooperation and coordination based on their common stances on regional crises and their policies toward them. In other words, both countries’ foreign policies are more corresponding to each other, especially in regard to the regional issues. Their agreement on common foreign policy principles such as ‘territorial integrity’ and ‘non-interventionism ’in domestic affairs provides correspondence between their foreign policies. Both Turkey and Algeria adopted similar position toward the Libyan crises since they both shifted from neutrality and indifference to limited interventionism and military support to maintain their national security and interests. Regarding their relations with France, both Turkey and Algeria have shown strong feedback in response to France’s problematic regional policies and its “bill against Islamist separatism”. The development of the ‘bill’ has been based on linking the terrorist attacks that have occurred in France to religious motives. Thus, the bill is intended to reduce the influence of the Turkish, Algerian, and Moroccan imams on Muslims in France and to strictly ‘supervise’ mosques. France’s regional policies have supported Haftar in Libya, and France is considered one of the main actors of the anti-Turkey bloc in Libya and the Mediterranean. Telci argues that for Turkey and Algeria to establish a ‘constructive foreign policy direction’, it is essential to promote integration in their regional policies based on these common principles and interests. While Algeria continues to be one of the rising powers in North Africa, Turkey is significantly concerned with it within its African policy. Both countries can achieve regional development through energy resources, new shipping routes and economic partnerships. The author introduces two aspects of cooperation: military and economic cooperation. Their mutual cooperation in military has the potential to change the regional balance due to their strong armies and defence industries. Moreover, the common regional stances of the two countries facilitate military partnership. Algeria’s increasing armament goals, along with its aims to enter the defence industry field, pave the way for cooperation with Turkey that has shown significant progress in defence industries. This is materialized in the military training cooperation agreement between Turkey and Algeria, and their joint action to enhance stability by countering armed organizations and other militants active in the Libyan crisis. Regarding economic cooperation, Algeria has a remarkable economic potential due to its geographic position extending from the Mediterranean to the Sub-Saharan, however, its economy significantly depends on the energy sector which increases its vulnerability. Although the trade volume between Algeria and Turkey has increased, it did not reach its targeted level. However, the Algerian government’s ratification of the maritime agreement would be a remarkable step in its trade with Turkey since it will allow the transportation of passengers and products and initiate ports-investment activities. Telci refers to other economic fields that would witness developments including energy, iron and steel industry, textile industry, and construction sector. Moreover, Algeria is an important actor of the Europe-Africa sea routes which would open markets for both countries’ production. To sum up, the exploitation of cooperation opportunities between the two countries and an agreement on future vision would achieve regional stability and change the regional power balance. Additionally, it will serve the interests of both countries while maintaining a safe path through the vague environment in the MENA region and the Mediterranean.
By: Yomna Süleyman, CIGA Research Assistant
