International balances… What are the goals of Turkish-Emirati rapprochement?

The map of international equilibrium has recently changed after the Russia-Ukraine war that tipped the world around, with the Middle East – the world’s oil-rich region – becoming the centerpiece.

Regarding strategic relations, UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is currently on a working visit to Turkey. During the visit, he will discuss strengthening strategic relations and promoting a comprehensive economic partnership between the two countries, in addition to a number of regional issues.

Gulf Turkey-Kuwait relations

Relations between Turkey and the Gulf states are linked to other balances, especially in light of hidden tensions between the UAE and the American side, as well as between Turkey, Washington and the Western powers.

Turkey and the UAE, in a regional dispute characterized by political and ideological conflict, were deeply hostile toward each other and had a strong desire to lead the Arab and Muslim world, in partnership with various other parties, beginning with the Arab Spring revolutions of 2011.

An improvement in international relations and important international balances

Fahd Alshelaimi, president of the Gulf Forum for Peace and Security, said: “I believe that the UAE does not want to have differences with all countries, and that is why I began the era of opening with the new one with the head of state, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed. I believe this will benefit the Turks in the first place”.

He added that Turkey has investments and at the same time economic problems and the UAE has funds and good management, thus more jobs for the Turks and more investments for the UAE.

He continued: The proof of this is the personal relationship between the political leaders, and the Emirates practiced diplomatic activity, diplomatic powers, soft powers, even sports, and it is recorded as a soft power for the Emirates, especially the Turkish soil.

Alshelaimi said: The region is facing an improvement in international relations, and if we look at Saudi-Iranian relations and the opening of embassies, we find an improvement in international relations and an openness between the countries of the Middle East with China, Russia, America and Europe, at the same time the scene is gray in Europe and this gray scene is a proven factor for economic recovery. At the same time, there is cooperation between the Gulf states that removes tension from the countries of the region.

He added: Another role remains the Israelis and their problem with Iran, as the Iranians have carried out political maneuvers, unified their position, reconciled with the Gulf Cooperation States, and devoted themselves to disagreement with Israel and pressure from the United States. The Emirates is the pomegranate balance in relations with Russia, China, Turkey, America, and Israel, and find in fact it is accepted by everyone and has positives in more investments, more tourism, cultural and diplomatic cooperation, and armament.

Convergence reflects on other countries

For his part, Mokhtar Ghobashi, Deputy Director of the Center for Arab Strategic Studies, said that relations are entering a new phase in the relationship for years of hostility, as reflected by Saudi Arabia and Iran, which is reflected in the rest of the countries. Turkey’s eyes are on reconciliation with the countries of the region to a large extent, and the rapprochement between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates will be reflected in the interest of many countries, including Israel, and will also be reflected in the level of relations with Iran.

Meanwhile, Mokhtar Ghobashi said that closer relations between Turkey and the UAE are not only economic, but also political, social and strategic.