Turkey and Spain are working to strengthen their relationship through a series of bilateral agreements and discussions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently visited Spain for a major summit with his Spanish counterpart, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. During the visit, Erdoğan praised Sánchez for Spain’s support of Palestine during the Gaza conflict, calling him a “dear friend”.
Sánchez had previously criticized Israel for its military campaign in Gaza and announced that Spain would join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice for alleged war crimes. Erdoğan expressed his solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the “genocide” in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of 37,000 Palestinians, with international efforts to secure a ceasefire and release hostages awaiting approval from the warring parties.
At the intergovernmental summit between Turkey and Spain, Erdoğan emphasized his expectations for the continued development and deepening of the two nations’ relations. Sánchez highlighted Turkey as a key economic partner, noting the potential for increased economic cooperation between the countries. King Felipe VI of Spain also welcomed Erdoğan and reiterated their commitment to strengthening the economic ties between Turkey and Spain.
The economic relationship between Turkey and Spain has been robust, with trade reaching new heights in recent years. The bilateral trade volume currently stands at around €18 billion, with the goal of reaching €20 billion set for 2021 now seen as achievable. Both countries are optimistic about the future of their economic partnership, with Turkey’s growing economic weight and geopolitical importance seen as factors contributing to further cooperation.
Erdoğan’s visit to Spain for the summit marks the eighth meeting between the two countries and is expected to result in the signing of at least 13 bilateral agreements. The leaders of Turkey and Spain are committed to strengthening their relationship across various sectors, including economics, politics, and diplomacy. The visit underscores the importance of cooperation and collaboration between Turkey and Spain on regional and international issues.
Overall, the close ties between Turkey and Spain are evident through their shared commitment to supporting Palestine and increasing economic cooperation. Both countries are working towards a stronger partnership that will benefit not only their own economies but also promote stability and peace in the region. Erdoğan and Sánchez’s meeting highlights the value of international collaboration in addressing complex global challenges and fostering mutual understanding and respect between nations.
