Turkish-Emirati relations have returned to their pre-crisis state, with the visit of the Emirati president to Ankara reinforcing this relationship to promote development in both countries.
The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Turkey seek to enhance their bilateral relations, supported and endorsed by the leadership of both nations. This emphasis reflects the importance of these relations in driving comprehensive development in both countries, fostering prosperity in the region, and achieving peace and stability for its peoples. Relations with Turkey hold significant importance within the UAE's strategy to strengthen partnerships and expand ties with various brotherly and friendly countries, as well as to reinforce cooperation across all fields, given Turkey's regional and global presence and significance.
The official visits and meetings between the leaders of both countries reflect the depth and robustness of UAE-Turkish relations. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, visited Turkey on November 24, 2021, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the UAE on February 14, 2022. In March, the two leaders held a summit via video conference during which they witnessed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Turkey. The importance of these reciprocal visits lies in the agreements signed between both parties. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed's visit to Turkey represents a new milestone in strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual understanding and respect, always aiming to promote joint cooperation across various fields.
Official visits by Emirati leaders to Turkey have long been highly valued at both official and popular levels, including the historical visit of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to Turkey in 1984, during which Turkey warmly welcomed this distinguished guest. The media covered the visit with significant attention, making headlines in major Turkish newspapers.
The UAE and Turkey have signed dozens of strategic agreements and memorandums of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields including economic, security, environmental, technological, and others. On November 24, 2021, the two countries signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding such as a memorandum between the UAE's Financial Information Unit and Turkey's Financial Crimes Investigation Board, a cooperation agreement between Abu Dhabi Ports and the Turkish Sovereign Wealth Fund, a cooperation agreement regarding Abu Dhabi Holding's venture capital fund, among others. Additionally, they exchanged agreements to promote cooperation in banking, energy, environment, and various other sectors.
On February 14, 2022, the two countries exchanged 13 agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation and expanding partnerships in areas including investment, health, agriculture, transportation, advanced industries, climate action, as well as culture and youth.
The economic aspect forms one of the most prominent pillars of growing cooperation between the two countries, with the robust economic relationship stemming back to the establishment of the UAE. In 1984, both countries signed an economic and technical cooperation agreement followed by several agreements strengthening economic and trade cooperation, culminating in the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement last March. This agreement is expected to effectively increase non-oil trade to $40 billion annually within five years, creating 25,000 new jobs by 2031, and increasing Emirati exports to Turkey by 21.7%.
Total non-oil trade between the UAE and Turkey reached approximately $19 billion in 2022, reflecting a 40% increase compared to 2021 and a 112% increase from 2020, making Turkey the fastest growing partner among the UAE’s top ten trading partners. In November 2021, the UAE announced the establishment of a $10 billion investment fund in Turkey focused on strategic investments, particularly in logistics, energy, health, and food sectors.
Emirati humanitarian efforts following the earthquake in Turkey have had a positive impact, exemplified by the "Brave Knight 2" operation launched by the UAE after the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6. This operation demonstrated the depth and strength of Emirati-Turkish relations, as the UAE sent medical, relief, and food supplies, search teams, as well as equipment for debris removal and medical teams, establishing field hospitals for treating the injured in affected areas.
On April 27, the Turkish president awarded the “State Medal for Sacrifice” to the "Brave Knight 2" team in recognition of the UAE's efforts in search and rescue operations in earthquake-affected areas.
Cultural relations between the UAE and Turkey draw strength from their rich cultural history and literary traditions. To further enhance these relations, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding regarding cultural cooperation in February 2022. Recently, both countries have seen growing cultural cooperation, exemplified by Turkey's participation as the guest of honor at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023, and the notable Turkish presence during the "Expo Dubai 2020" events. Moreover, the Emirates Publishers Association participated in the Istanbul International Arab Book Fair last October, presenting 284 titles from 31 Emirati publishing houses.
