Geopolitical Briefing: Türkiye
3 May 2025
- Türkiye and Italy have signed a series of trade and defense agreements, including a joint UAV venture.
- Ankara reaffirmed its commitment to the Kanal Istanbul project, despite environmental concerns and political opposition.
- Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have initiated talks to establish a significant free trade agreement.
- Turkish drone strikes continue against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, underscoring Ankara’s security priorities.(AP News, Reuters, Wikipedia)
On April 29, 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened in Rome for the fourth Intergovernmental Summit between Türkiye and Italy. The leaders witnessed the signing of a dozen cooperation agreements, notably in trade and defense sectors. A significant development was the joint venture between Türkiye’s Baykar and Italy’s Leonardo for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Additionally, the two nations set a new bilateral trade target of $40 billion, up from the previous $30 billion. This deepening alliance enhances Türkiye’s defense capabilities and economic integration with European markets, reinforcing its strategic position as a bridge between East and West. (AP News)
Despite environmental concerns and political opposition, Türkiye has reiterated its commitment to the Kanal Istanbul project. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu confirmed on May 1, 2025, that the government remains dedicated to the 45-kilometer waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The project aims to alleviate maritime congestion in the Bosphorus Strait. While the initiative has faced criticism over potential ecological impacts and financial viability, its advancement underscores Türkiye’s ambition to enhance its strategic maritime infrastructure, bolstering its role in global trade routes. (Reuters)
Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have commenced negotiations to establish a comprehensive free trade agreement. The talks, involving Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, aim to create one of the world’s largest free trade areas. This initiative reflects Türkiye’s strategic objective to deepen economic ties with Muslim-majority nations, fostering greater regional integration and economic independence from Western-dominated trade frameworks. (AGBI, Türkiye Today)
In northern Syria, Turkish military operations against Kurdish forces persist. On May 1, 2025, a Turkish drone strike reportedly killed a female member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near the Tishrin Dam. These actions are part of Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to neutralize groups it considers extensions of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara designates as a terrorist organization. The continued military engagements highlight Türkiye’s commitment to securing its southern borders and eliminating perceived separatist threats, reinforcing its influence in the post-Assad Syrian landscape. (Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
