Turkish foreign policy towards Latin America and the Caribbean
from openness to institutionalization (1998-2017)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36324/fqhj.v2i55.23910Keywords:
Turkish Foreign Policy, Latin America, Opening Policy, TIKA, Strategic Partnership, Soft PowerAbstract
This study examines the trajectory of Turkish relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, tracing them from their historical roots to the active "opening up" strategy of the last two decades. It aims to analyze the mechanisms of the transformation in Turkish foreign policy from a state of stagnation and geographical distance to one of strategic partnership. The 1998 Action Plan is reviewed as a cornerstone in institutionalizing these relations, highlighting the pivotal role of high-level presidential visits at the diplomatic level. The study also sheds light on Turkish soft power tools, such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and Turkish Airlines, as well as Turkey's penetration of Latin American regional organizations. The study concludes that Turkey has successfully transformed the region into a vital arena within its vision of a multidimensional foreign policy.
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