Towards a New Turkic Bloc
In the 20th century, there was a clear increase of interest in economic blocs. The blocs which emerged earlier were mainly associated with peace and the post-war phase, particularly which took shape after the World War II.
Now another economic bloc has emerged which resembles many of the upright blocs of countries of the world. There are four major developments which took place in 2019 which were the factors behind this formation. Uzbekistan accessed the bloc (which was earlier known as Turkish Council), announcing Turkmenistan’s acceptance as an observer member of it. Both these countries are oil- and gas-rich which are no less important than some Arab Gulf states. Turkey supported Azerbaijan in its war against Armenia and made high gains. It highlighted the importance of inter-GCC cooperation in the security and military areas. The corona crisis also resulted in separation of regional countries from the international sphere. This strengthened Turkey’s regional role and increased its shares in regional alliances, particularly through its medical diplomacy. There was also a global energy crisis which made gas and oil producing countries as well as supplies and transportation more important.
All these are the factors which prompted the countries to announce a new bloc. The (Turkish) Council is being transformed into a more organised bloc with a strategic vision. Under this framework, there will be joint projects, laws and technical work committees which will lead to an unprecedented increase in the level of cooperation.
(by Khalid Alterkawi in TRT Arabi)
Intensive steps were taken by Turkey to rapprochement with the Arabs. This led to Arab understanding of developments and their course with a sober mind, not with the logic of animosities. The Turkish-Arab rapprochement would serve the interests of both parties, and the peoples of the region in general.
Countries have no emotions. Rather, they are led by principles, factors, and interests. Therefore, the countries of the Arab moderate axis read the positive Turkish signals in their own language, neither with prior suspicion nor with blind confidence. Therefore, the Turkish-Arab rapprochement is regulated by known motives, aims and objectives.
A mutual Turkish-Arab conclusion is that a normal relationship between the two sides, without crude interference or riding on crises, can serve everyone, and the entire region. There is an awareness among Arabs about the importance of Turkey. Also, they also realise that they have many things common in history, geography, human and economic importance in the region. There is no harm in saying that Turkey must be helped to turn into an effective partner which stands with the Arab world, not against it.
Turkey’s return to its Arab milieu could benefit all the peoples of the region. There should be realisation that confidence-building is not achieved just through statements and visits. Strong countries do not engage in their foreign relations out of hatred and enmities. They also do not build rapprochement or reconciliation just by changing language or style.
(by Abdul Aziz Al Khamis in Sky News Arabia)
Compiled and Translated by Faizul Haque