The bond between Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed remarkable growth, fueled by a series of new commercial and economic cooperation agreements over the past two years. This flourishing partnership has solidified Türkiye’s position as one of the top 10 commercial partners of the UAE, renowned for its thriving investments in tourism, high technology, and abundant oil resources.
With a diplomatic history spanning 46 years, Türkiye and the UAE have been making significant strides in various domains, particularly in recent times. The two nations have engaged in active diplomatic exchanges to bolster their bilateral relations, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Notable visits, such as UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s trip in August 2021, marked a pivotal moment in strengthening diplomatic ties.
The year 2021 saw significant milestones, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to Ankara in November. In response, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in fruitful discussions in Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2022. Furthermore, a videoconference summit between the two leaders in March further solidified their commitment to cooperation.
As part of their ongoing endeavors to enhance their strategic ties, President Erdogan and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed attended the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul on June 10. This symbolic event exemplified their shared vision for the future.
The scope of the agreements between Türkiye and the UAE encompassed diverse areas, including finance, banking, defense industry, health, climate change, technology, culture, agriculture, trade, economy, maritime transport, youth, disaster management, meteorology, and communication. These accords reflect their joint efforts to foster economic growth and create thousands of jobs in both nations.
In March 2022, the Türkiye-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi, with a strategic aim to boost non-oil trade volume between the countries. The agreement aspires to generate 25,000 jobs in the UAE and a significant 100,000 jobs in Türkiye. This ambitious venture seeks to elevate the non-oil trade volume from approximately $19 billion in 2022 to a substantial $40 billion within the next five years.
Moreover, the UAE demonstrated its unwavering support for Türkiye during times of crisis. After devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye, the UAE promptly provided financial aid worth $50 million, coupled with generous donations from individuals and substantial relief efforts. The establishment of a 54-bed field hospital and a 200-bed mobile hospital showcased the depth of their solidarity during such challenging times.
As Türkiye and the UAE continue to reinforce their strategic cooperation, their shared commitment to growth, development, and mutual support serves as a beacon of hope for the future. These bonds forged through diplomacy and partnership stand as a testament to the enduring friendship between two nations on a path of progress and prosperity.
