Erdoğan’s Gulf Tour Signals Shift in Turkish Foreign Policy: A New Era of Regional Ownership
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Türkiye is deepening its strategic engagement with Gulf nations, signaling a move beyond traditional transactional relationships toward a more active and coequal partnership in shaping the future of the Middle East. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent visits to Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman occurred against a backdrop of significant regional upheaval, driven by conflict, diplomatic shifts, and evolving alliances, and were far from ceremonial.
The timing of the tour was particularly noteworthy, coming as Israel’s actions in Gaza have exposed fractures within the regional order. While a temporary cease-fire has offered a brief respite from violence, it has simultaneously underscored the political costs of remaining silent. In this environment, Erdoğan’s diplomatic efforts showcased what Ankara terms “leadership diplomacy,” a strategy blending pragmatic dialog with a firm moral stance.
Beyond Trade: A Political Agenda Takes Center Stage
The agenda during Erdoğan’s Gulf tour extended far beyond mere economic considerations. Actually, political objectives took precedence over trade, with Türkiye seeking to solidify alignment with its Gulf partners on several key fronts. These included ensuring the longevity of the Gaza cease-fire, bolstering collective Arab-Turkish coordination, and advancing cooperation in defense and technology. Discussions also touched upon Türkiye’s potential role in the region’s emerging security architecture and its pursuit of Eurofighter jets,highlighting the breadth of Ankara’s strategic interests.
This tour represents a departure from previous engagements, characterized by a shift in tone and depth. The traditional focus on “trade diplomacy” has given way to a broader,long-term framework that combines economic interdependence with a shared sense of regional obligation. Ankara is now prioritizing institutionalized cooperation, particularly in areas where the Gulf’s financial strength and Türkiye’s manufacturing capabilities can be mutually beneficial, rather than focusing solely on short-term investment deals.
Economic partnerships as a Cornerstone of Regional Integration
Despite the emphasis on political alignment, economic cooperation remains a critical component of Türkiye’s strategy. Ankara aims to attract Gulf investment into its manufacturing, logistics, and defense sectors, strengthening partnerships in both investment and energy. Agreements with Kuwait and Qatar are designed to ensure sustained capital flows, while potential infrastructure links through Oman could integrate the Gulf more closely into Türkiye’s East-West trade vision. A secure “logistics corridor” stretching from anatolia through the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, if realized, could fundamentally reshape regional connectivity.
furthermore,Türkiye’s burgeoning defense industry is increasingly serving as a foreign policy tool. The Gulf region, with its demand for advanced technology and reliable partners, represents a natural market. Ankara is now exploring joint production and technology-sharing arrangements with Oman and Kuwait, building upon existing cooperation with Qatar, and demonstrating Türkiye’s commitment to establishing a long-term, institutional presence in the Gulf. this move signals an effort to embed a doctrine of regional ownership, where regional actors assume primary responsibility for their own security and stability, a concept gaining significance amid increasing competition between global powers. Regional solutions, anchored in shared responsibility, could have transformative effects on issues ranging from the conflict in Gaza to the reconstruction of Syria and the dynamics along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier.
Ultimately, Erdoğan’s Gulf tour represents Ankara’s ambition to position itself as an architect of the emerging regional order, a nation steadfast to adapt to change and actively shape its trajectory.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance, values or position of Daily Sabah. The newspaper provides space for diverse perspectives as part of its commitment to open and informed public discussion.
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