Prioritizing Pragmatism: A New Chapter in Turkey-Gulf Relations
Source:ECSS Date:06Aug2023
Erdogan’s recent trip was primarily focused on strengthening economic ties with the GCC countries, luring more foreign direct investment, securing infrastructure contracts, promoting tourism, and securing funding for the earthquake-affected southern regions’ reconstruction, which the Turkish government estimates will cost about $100 billion. Further, Erdogan wants to investigate the business opportunities brought about by the GCC states’ strategic visions in areas like infrastructure, renewable and green energy, technology, and defense.
In conclusion, Erdogan’s recent tour marked a new phase in the path of the Turkish-Gulf relations, driven by the new dynamics imposed by the ongoing international and regional transformations. Although the tour had have a political component, its primary economic focus resulted from the fact that the Turkish and Gulf sides hoped to leverage one another’s resources to advance economically, gain strategic independence from the West, and hedge against any shifts in the attitude of the world’s leading powers.