Türkiye Says SCO Membership Won’t Turn West
Türkiye Says SCO Membership Won’t Turn West
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Key Points
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Erdogan and Putin held a one-on-one meeting at the Bishkek SCO summit to discuss further nuclear cooperation.
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Turkey brokered the 2022 grain deal that opened Ukrainian ports and allowed the movement of Russian food and fertilizer; Putin pulled out of the agreement about a year later.
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The SCO is described as a major regional bloc with an economy around $35 trillion and more than 4 billion people, with Turkey's annual trade with SCO members nearing $150 billion.
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Turkish officials say Turkey has made significant progress in its relations with the SCO in recent years as part of a multidimensional foreign policy, emphasizing balance with both East and West.
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The SCO originated from the 'Shanghai Five' and has grown into a bloc that now includes nearly 30 countries and international organizations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country's push to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization doesn't mean abandoning the West. WTOP reported that Erdogan described Turkey's approach as 360-degree diplomacy — balancing ties with both East and West. He made these remarks after attending an SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he also met one-on-one with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The SCO is a major economic bloc with roughly $35 trillion in combined GDP and over 4 billion people. LA Times noted Turkey's annual trade with SCO members nears $150 billion. Erdogan wants to diversify Turkey's economic and strategic options without cutting ties to NATO allies.
Erdogan's 360-Degree Foreign Policy Strategy
Turkey is not picking sides between East and West, Erdogan insisted. Instead, he said Turkey is building stronger ties with SCO members including China, Russia, and Central Asian nations. Archynetys reported that Erdogan emphasized Turkey's multidimensional foreign policy approach. This strategy lets Ankara maintain NATO membership while deepening cooperation with Eastern powers.
The SCO has grown from the original Shanghai Five into a bloc of nearly 30 countries and international organizations. Archynetys reported that Turkey has made significant recent progress in SCO relations. Erdogan framed membership as enhancing Turkey's global influence rather than abandoning Western alliances.
Putin Meeting Focuses on Nuclear Cooperation
Erdogan and Putin held a private meeting at the Bishkek summit to discuss expanding nuclear cooperation. The two leaders have maintained dialogue despite Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine. WTOP reported the meeting signals Turkey's commitment to engaging all major powers in its region.
Turkey's Role in Grain Deals and Black Sea Security
Turkey brokered a landmark 2022 grain deal that opened Ukrainian ports for food exports. The agreement allowed movement of Russian fertilizer and grain to global markets. Putin pulled out of the deal about a year later, disrupting food supplies. Erdogan called for a new mechanism to ensure Black Sea maritime security and prevent future grain-price crises.
Erdogan reiterated his hope for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. He positioned Turkey as a bridge between conflicting parties and SCO members. This balancing act reflects Turkey's strategy to remain relevant to multiple global powers while protecting its economic interests.
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