Author: Nurbanu Kizil
Affiliation: Daily Sabah
Organization/Publisher: Daily Sabah
Date/Place: March 28, 2021/Turkey
Type of Literature: News Analysis
Word Count: 2054
Keywords: Turkey Foreign policy, Asia Anew Initiative
Brief:
On Aug. 6, 2019 the Turkish Foreign Ministry launched a new initiative called “Asia Anew” with the aim to improve ties with Asian countries in different areas. The initiative was composed to enhance relations with Asian countries—not just with China—in economic, cultural, educational and diplomatic arenas. Turkey recently had diplomatic meetings with Turkic states, which enhances relations in various sectors. In addition, cooperation in the field of education was raised as a result of these diplomatic contacts. On the other hand, Turkey has been attending and keeping a close watch on regional initiatives. Simultaneously, Turkey has joined some regional projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with China. During the COVID-19 period, Turkey has continued its initiatives in Asia for further benefits. Turkey’s emphasis on enhancing relations with Asia has been interpreted by some observers as Turkey shifting its axis to the East. In a global world, it is normal to have enhanced relations; although the US and China have a trade war, they have economic relations too. As a result, Turkey’s main aim to enhance relations with Asia is to balance its trade deficits. Another significant effect that the Asia Anew Initiative provides to Turkey is giving it a say in the humanitarian issues taking place in Asia, like the Rohingya and the Uyghur crises.
By: Esra Ibrahimagaoglu, CIGA Research Intern
