British media: Erdogan positions Türkiye at centre of global diplomacy

In recent months, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strategically repositioned Türkiye as a key player in global geopolitics, leveraging his country’s unique geographical and military significance.

While Türkiye’s relationship with NATO has been complex, Erdogan's approach has increasingly drawn attention to Türkiye's indispensable role in European security, particularly amid shifting international dynamics, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Speaking to European leaders, Erdogan emphasized the strategic importance of Türkiye, noting, "It is inconceivable to establish European security without Türkiye."

His statements come at a time when Europe faces uncertainties about the future of NATO and the potential implications of a more isolated United States. With tensions rising between Russia and Ukraine, Europe’s security framework is evolving, and Türkiye's geographical location has made it an essential partner in any new security architecture.

Türkiye controls key chokepoints—the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles—that control naval access between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Its military might, with an army that is the second largest in NATO, further bolsters its importance. "Türkiye’s army is more than five times bigger than its British counterpart," noted military experts, adding that the Turkish military is vital not only for Europe’s defence but also for any potential peacekeeping missions in Ukraine.

Erdogan has also positioned Türkiye as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. With cordial relations with both countries, Türkiye has facilitated key negotiations, including prisoner exchanges and grain deals. "Türkiye has a lot of operational experience when it comes to confronting Russia or Russia-backed actors in the field in a way that European actors haven’t," said Nigar Goksel, Turkish project director at the International Crisis Group.

Additionally, Türkiye’s defence industry has grown into a global leader, producing drones, armored vehicles, and warships, which are crucial to Europe’s rearmament efforts. Erdogan has seized this opportunity, offering Türkiye’s expertise and military capabilities to meet Europe’s growing defence needs.

At the same time, Erdogan is seeking to strengthen Türkiye’s standing in the Middle East, especially following his country’s involvement in Syria. As Türkiye’s influence in the region grows, its role in European security has become more crucial.

Secure at home, with a more stable economy and greater regional influence, Erdogan is positioning Türkiye to play a pivotal role on the global stage in the years to come, maintaining his country's influence in Europe and beyond.

By Vafa Guliyeva