Geopolitical Briefing: Türkiye
25 May 2025
- President Erdogan met with Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif in Istanbul, reinforcing bilateral ties amid regional tensions.
- Türkiye and Syria held high-level talks in Istanbul, signaling a potential shift in regional alliances.
- The U.S. appointed Ambassador Thomas Barrack as special envoy for Syria, acknowledging Türkiye’s growing influence.
- India issued a stern message to Türkiye over its support for Pakistan, indicating strained diplomatic relations.
- Türkiye continues military operations in northern Iraq despite the PKK’s disbandment, raising concerns in Baghdad.(Reuters, Reuters, Hawar)
On May 25, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul for discussions on bilateral relations, regional issues, and counter-terrorism efforts . This meeting underscores Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening ties with fellow Muslim-majority nations, particularly in the face of escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. By aligning more closely with Pakistan, Türkiye enhances its role as a key player in South Asian geopolitics, fostering deeper integration with Muslim countries and asserting its independence in foreign policy decisions.(Reuters)
In a significant development, President Erdo?an met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Istanbul on May 24 to discuss the lifting of U.S. and EU sanctions on Syria and the future of regional cooperation . The talks included discussions on integrating Kurdish forces into Syrian security structures and energy cooperation, such as exporting natural gas from Türkiye to Syria. This engagement marks a strategic pivot for Türkiye, potentially reducing Western influence in the region and promoting stability through regional partnerships, thereby enhancing its control over security matters and diminishing external political pressures.(Reuters, AP News)
The United States’ appointment of Ambassador Thomas Barrack as special envoy for Syria reflects a recognition of Türkiye’s pivotal role in the region . Barrack’s dual role aims to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Syria, aligning with Türkiye’s interests in regional stability and economic development. This move indicates a shift towards acknowledging regional powers’ influence, allowing Türkiye greater autonomy in shaping its security and foreign policy landscape.(Reuters)
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a strong statement on May 22, urging Türkiye to reconsider its support for Pakistan in light of cross-border terrorism concerns . This diplomatic friction highlights the complexities of Türkiye’s foreign relations, balancing its support for Muslim allies with the need to maintain broader international partnerships. Navigating these tensions is crucial for Türkiye to assert its political autonomy while fostering regional alliances that align with its strategic interests.(The Times of India)
Despite the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announcing its disbandment, Türkiye continues military operations in northern Iraq, citing the need to eliminate remaining threats . This ongoing military presence has drawn criticism from Iraqi officials, who accuse Türkiye of delaying troop withdrawals . Türkiye’s actions demonstrate its commitment to securing its borders and eliminating perceived threats, reinforcing its control over national security and reducing reliance on external actors.(Hawar)
Collectively, these developments illustrate Türkiye’s strategic maneuvers to strengthen regional alliances, assert control over security matters, and enhance political autonomy. By engaging with neighboring countries and navigating complex international dynamics, Türkiye positions itself as a formidable regional power, advancing its long-term geopolitical objectives.
