Power struggle in Central Asia: The influence of the EU and China, and Turkey's position
While Central Asia draws attention with its resources and potential, the role Turkey will play in the region remains a subject of curiosity. Economic challenges and domestic political tensions complicate Turkey's efforts to increase its influence in the region.
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Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Numan Kurtulmuş spoke at the conference themed "Youth as the Rising Star of the Turkic World: Our Common Heritage, Our Common Future," held in Khiva, Uzbekistan.
Kurtulmuş emphasized that developments occurring globally in recent years have made the Turkic world a rising star.
THE STANCE OF TURKIC STATES ON CYPRUS
Member countries of the Organization of Turkic States signed a declaration in favor of Southern Cyprus following the 1st EU-Central Asia Summit. This development drew attention as it contradicted past expectations that they would recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov stated that Uzbekistan remains committed to the principle of respect for territorial integrity.
THE EU'S CENTRAL ASIA STRATEGY
The European Union has signed Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCA) with four countries in Central Asia, excluding Turkmenistan. Furthermore, in 2021, it launched the Global Gateway project as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative. The EU has pledged to invest 10 billion euros in Trans-Caspian International Transport Route projects and announced a new 12 billion dollar investment package at the latest summit.
CHINA'S INFLUENCE IN THE REGION
China is the largest trading partner in Central Asia. In 2023, the trade volume between China and Central Asian countries increased by 27 percent, reaching 89.4 billion dollars. At the China-Central Asia Summit held in Xi'an, China promised 26 billion dollars in financing and aid to the countries of the region.
TURKEY'S CENTRAL ASIA POLICY
Turkey aims to increase economic cooperation in Central Asia, starting with the Samarkand Declaration. The Turkic Investment Fund, established in 2022, is a concrete example of these efforts. However, Turkey's economic and political instabilities limit its influence in the region. It is believed that Turkey needs to strengthen its democratic standards and economic resilience in domestic politics. This change appears inevitable for Turkey to assume a more effective role in Central Asia.