Turkey-Gulf relations

Erdogan and Thani

Qatar's emir visits Turkey amid push for de-escalation, Gaza talks

The Qatari emir's visit to Turkey comes as regional countries are ramping up efforts to prevent a broader conflict in the region after the Hamas political chief’s killing.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a press conference on the sidelines of the NATO 75th anniversary summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, July 11, 2024.

Israel’s FM tells NATO to expel Turkey as Erdogan threatens war over Gaza

As Turkey threatens military intervention in Gaza and Israel pushes for Turkey's removal from NATO, questions of how Turkey and Israel's already strained relations will be affected arise.

This combination of file photographs created on July 7, 2024, shows Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) in Ankara on May 29, 2023, and Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on July 16, 2023.

Analysis

As Erdogan woos Assad, is Turkey-Syria reconciliation rhetoric or reality?

While the Turkish president has signaled he’s open to mending fences with his Syrian counterpart, the path to reconciliation is full of pitfalls.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

RYAN LIM/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

What's next for Turkey-UAE ties as economic cooperation hits record high?

The fast-improving ties between the United Arab Emirates and Turkey will reach new heights and create employment opportunities in both countries, industry experts and Turkish officials believe.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Latest News

Turkey’s Erdogan, UAE president discuss Gaza during G7

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) speaks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian President Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G-7 summit, June 14, 2024, Apulia, Italy.

Turkey and Kuwait sign six deals as Erdogan hosts country's Emir

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah in Ankara on May 7. Photo courtesy: The Turkish Presidency

Blinken, Fidan meet after Turkey postpones Erdogan's White House visit

EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/AFP via Getty Images

Beyond Ethiopia & Somaliland, Turkey-Somalia defense deal fuels UAE rivalry

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ( L) stands beside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud upon his arrival at the Aden Abdulle international airport in Mogadishu on Jan. 25, 2015.

Turkey’s Erdogan receives red-carpet reception in Egypt, calls Sisi 'brother'

Erdogan is met by Sisi in Cairo

UAE's President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet in Dubai on Feb. 13, 2024.

Turkey’s Erdogan in UAE, meets MBZ ahead of landmark Egypt visit

Erdogan’s UAE and historic Egypt trips come as Ankara seeks to strengthen its ties with regional countries amid ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shakes hands with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during a meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Sept. 17, 2022.

Iran's Raisi makes first visit to Turkey seeking to close gap on Gaza, Zangezur

Apart from economic ties, the Gaza war is expected to be in focus, on which the two sides may share public rhetoric but diverge deeply when it comes to policy and interests.

How Turkey contained Super Cup crisis with Saudi Arabia

A soccer debacle in Riyadh last week over Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of secular Turkey, has become a public debate over the trajectory of secularism in Turkey.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan (L) arrives under the rain to the Turkish Parliament to take oath of office after his election win at the parliament in Ankara, Turkey, on June 3, 2023. Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan was sworn in for a third term as president on June 3, promising to serve "impartially" after winning a historic runoff election to extend his two-decade rule. (Photo by Adem ALTAN / AFP) (Photo by ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images)

2023 in review: From disaster to diplomacy, a climactic year for Turkey

Ankara and NATO capitals are once again at loggerheads despite Turkey’s restoration vision put forward after the May elections.

Erdogan

What is driving Turkey’s Erdogan pro-Hamas, fiery Israel criticism?

Diplomats and experts say Erdogan’s response to Hamas’ attack on Israel and its aftermath have seriously undermined Turkey’s international position.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and UAE's President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed meet on Oct. 24, 2023.

Turkey's Fidan travels to UAE, Qatar, seeks mediation on Israel-Hamas war

The top Turkish diplomat, who met with the Emirati leaders in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, is set to travel to Qatar, where Hamas' political bureau is based.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a protest rally against the recent killings of Palestinian protesters on the Gaza-Israel border and the US Embassy move to Jerusalem, in Istanbul, May 18, 2018.

Turkey's Erdogan strikes moderate stance as Israel-Hamas war rages

Turkey's Erdogan is striking a neutral stance in the Gaza conflict, avoiding incendiary rhetoric that would derail his charm offensive with the West and offering to mediate between Israel and Hamas.

The Pioneering Spirit vessel, which will carry out construction of the offshore section of the Turkish Stream natural gas pipeline, passes the Yavuz Sultan Selim Brigde on the Bosporus, Istanbul, Turkey, May 31, 2017.

Abu Dhabi’s ADQ in talks with Turkey to build railway for trade corridor

Amid increasing cooperation between the two countries, an alternative trade corridor is planned linking Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

UAE NZ

UAE trade offensive continues, this time with New Zealand deal

The UAE is looking to secure its sixth trade agreement of the year as it increases its non-oil trade globally, with intentions to reach $1.09 billion by 2031.

United Arab Emirates

ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey, Saudi Arabia ink critical mineral cooperation deal

Green energy investments will have an important share in cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, said the Turkish energy minister.

A Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drone is on view during a presentation at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Siauliai, Lithuania, on July 6, 2022.

Analysis

After Saudi drone deal, Turkey’s defense industry eyes record export year

Turkey’s military exports could hit a record $7.5 billion this year after a major deal with Saudi Arabia.

Eray Gorgulu

By Eray Gorgulu

Baykar Press Office/dia images via Getty Images

Saudi Arabia agrees to produce Turkey’s Baykar drones

Riyadh wants to boost its military might, especially with the prospect of its main rival Iran developing its nuclear enrichment capabilities.