Since its establishment, the security of the Republic of Turkey has been dictated by two main elements: geography and longstanding ties with the neighboring countries. In line with this global perspective, Turkish foreign policy has been built on the key elements such as cooperation and partnership, and respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Therefore, establishing and maintaining friendly relations with other countries; promoting regional and international cooperation through bilateral and multilateral schemes; resolving conflicts through peaceful means and enhancing regional and international peace, stability and prosperity are the guiding principles of Turkish foreign policy.
In the aftermath of the Second World War, Turkey made the historic choice of siding with the free world and the Western Bloc. This policy was led Turkey to become member of NATO on 18 February 1952. Since then, NATO has been the cornerstone of Turkey's defense and security policy.
Protocol regarding Turkey’s membership to NATO was signed on 17 October 1951. Law on the accession of Turkey to the North Atlantic Treaty was endorsed on 18 February 1952 and Turkey became a NATO member together with Greece.
As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our NATO membership, Turkey has been a staunch Ally of NATO and considers the Alliance as the linchpin of the Transatlantic ties and Euro-Atlantic security. NATO is known as the most successful defense alliance in the history. The Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, the founding document of NATO that refers to collective defense constitutes a valuable security guarantee for Turkey as well as for other Allies. On the other hand, Turkey is a valuable asset for NATO. Turkey assumed the responsibility to protect southeastern border of the Alliance during Cold War period. As a result of her proactive foreign policy and contributions provided to crisis management and peace-keeping missions, Turkey’s role within NATO constantly increased since the end of the Cold War.
Turkey's views on current issues of the Alliance
FAQs
As the Cold War developed in the post-war era, dividing Europe into Eastern and Western blocs, Türkiye chose to side with Western Powers. It is this policy that led to its membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on 18 February 1952.
How loyal is Turkey to NATO? ›
Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952, has its second largest army and is the host of the Allied Land Command headquarters. The Incirlik and Konya Airbases have both been involved in several NATO military operations since their establishment.
When did Turkey make peace with the Allies? ›
Turkey ratified the treaty on 23 August 1923, and all other signatories did so by 16 July 1924. It officially took effect on 6 August 1924, when the instruments of ratification were deposited in Paris. Additionally, a declaration of amnesty was issued, granting immunity for crimes committed between 1914 and 1922.
Who is Turkey's biggest ally? ›
Northern Cyprus is considered one of Turkey's closest allies. After World War II Turkey sought closer relations with Western powers. It became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945, a recipient of Marshall Plan aid and a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1952.
Why is Turkey not kicked out of NATO? ›
Turkey today is a liability. There is no mechanism within NATO to expel a wayward member. In the past, countries withdrew voluntarily.
Who did Turkey block from joining NATO? ›
Finland was admitted in April, but Sweden's accession has been blocked by Turkey, one of NATO's 31 members, ostensibly because the Nordic country harbours Kurdish separatists.
Is Turkey a Russian ally? ›
As a close partner of both Russia and Ukraine, Turkey is actively attempting to broker a peaceful solution to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and has hosted a number of high-profile negotiations between the two countries. Turkey is currently the only NATO member which is not on Russia's unfriendly countries list.
Is Turkey the strongest in NATO? ›
The Turkish Armed Forces is the second largest standing military force in NATO, after the U.S. Armed Forces. Turkey is one of five NATO member states which are part of the nuclear sharing policy of the alliance, together with Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
What does Turkey want? ›
But the reality is that throughout the Erdogan era, Turkey has been consistent in its pursuit of three basic foreign-policy ideas: strategic independence, power, and prosperity. This is hardly earth-shattering—after all, these are attributes that pretty much all countries want.
Is Turkey a peaceful country? ›
İstanbul. The Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has released the 2023 Global Peace Index. According to the index, Turkey ranked 147th out of 163 countries, sharing this position with Iran.
Soon thereafter, Turkey began openly providing substantial diplomatic support and shelter to Hamas. Relations did not fully reset until more than a decade later, when Israel and Turkey reinstated their ambassadors in December 2022.
What is the relationship between Russia and Turkey? ›
Turkish-Russian relations, which followed a course of cooperation in bilateral context, faced a serious test as a result of military activities related to the Syrian crisis. However, in line with the mutual desire of Turkish and Russian peoples, a normalization process was launched.
Who is Turkey's enemy? ›
Turkey is engaged in a separate proxy conflict with Iran, which backs anti-Turkish forces in Syria, Iraq, Libya, the South Caucasus, and other regions.
Is Turkey a friend of Israel? ›
The State of Israel and the Republic of Turkey formally established diplomatic relations in March 1949. Less than a year after the Israeli Declaration of Independence, Turkey recognized Israeli sovereignty, making it the world's first Muslim-majority country to do so.
Are US and Turkey friends? ›
Türkiye and the United States are North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and longstanding partners. We have a proud history of working together in times of crisis and on regional security and prosperity.
Why were Greece and Turkey allowed into NATO? ›
Greece's membership of NATO was a security guarantee, one that the country welcomed to support national efforts in providing a viable defence. On 18 February, Greece was formally welcomed as one of NATO's first new members since the creation of the Alliance in 1949, along with Turkey.
Did Turkey approve Sweden joining NATO? ›
ANKARA, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Turkey's parliament ratified Sweden's NATO membership bid on Tuesday, clearing the biggest remaining hurdle to expanding the Western military alliance after 20 months of delay.
Did Turkey agree to let Finland join NATO? ›
Turkey was the last NATO member to approve Finland's accession, although Hungary only did so on Monday. In a statement after the vote, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said his country is “now ready to join NATO.” “All 30 NATO members have now ratified Finland's membership.
How powerful is Turkey's military? ›
The GFP index denotes Turkiye as a Top 10 global military power. For 2024, Turkiye is ranked 8 of 145 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review. The nation holds a PwrIndx* score of 0.1697 (a score of 0.0000 is considered 'perfect'). This entry last reviewed on 03/07/2024.
