In 2010, the Arab League’s Secretary General, Amr Moussa, proposed expanding the organization’s strategic dialogue to include Turkiye. This initiative aimed to formally acknowledge Turkiye’s long-standing historical, cultural, and economic ties to the Arab world, and integrate it into the Arab regional system. However, the eruption of the Arab uprisings in 2011 derailed these efforts, leading to a decade of political tension between Turkiye and several Arab states. Now, thirteen years later, the geopolitical landscape has shifted, opening new opportunities for Turkiye to once again establish itself as a key partner within the Arab world.

Amr Moussa’s proposal in 2010 was a reflection of both Turkiye’s growing influence and the Arab League’s desire to forge stronger connections with neighboring powers. At the time, Turkiye’s foreign policy, embodied in its “zero-problem with neighbors” approach under then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aligned well with Moussa’s vision for an “Arab neighboring policy.” Turkiye had actively sought to foster closer ties with Arab states through diplomatic, cultural, and economic cooperation.

Yet, the Arab uprisings of 2011 and their aftermath drastically altered the political landscape of the region. The Syrian civil war, the ousting of Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak, and the broader realignment of power throughout the Middle East created sharp divisions. Turkiye’s support for Islamist movements, including the Muslim Brotherhood, alienated key Arab states such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, leading to a deep freeze in relations. These developments led to the postponement of Moussa’s proposal and sidelined any potential formal integration of Turkiye into the Arab regional system.

However, in recent years, the relationship between Turkiye and its Arab neighbors has taken a sharp turn towards normalization. Since 2021, Ankara has embarked on a comprehensive effort to repair relations with Arab states, with notable success. This shift was marked by significant diplomatic breakthroughs, including the restoration of ties with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These efforts have culminated in tangible diplomatic milestones, such as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s participation in the Arab League Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Cairo in 2023-the first Turkish minister to attend the event.

The participation of Fidan in this meeting signifies more than just a diplomatic gesture. It highlights the Arab League’s recognition of Turkiye’s importance in regional affairs, and the possibility of formalizing Turkiye’s integration into the Arab regional system. The region’s economic and security interests have provided a strong foundation for this new era of cooperation, as evidenced by the adoption of a joint action plan between Turkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for 2023-2027, and the initiation of formal negotiations for a free-trade agreement.

Economic and security cooperation have emerged as central pillars in Turkiye’s efforts to cement its place within the Arab regional system. The Turkish-Arab Economy Forum, scheduled to be held in Istanbul in October 2024, is a significant indicator of the renewed momentum in Turkish-Arab relations. The forum, which had been dormant since 2013 due to political polarization, was initially established in 2007 to foster discussions on political, economic, and cultural cooperation between Turkiye and Arab League members.

The forum’s revival represents a concerted effort to institutionalize economic cooperation between Turkiye and Arab states. It also reflects a broader recognition that economic interdependence can act as a stabilizing force in the region. Moreover, the forum provides an opportunity for Turkiye and Arab states to explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and energy. Turkiye’s geographical position as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East makes it an ideal partner for Arab states seeking to diversify their economic partnerships.

In addition to economic cooperation, security collaboration has become an increasingly important aspect of Turkish-Arab relations. The joint action plan between Turkiye and the GCC underscores both sides’ commitment to addressing common security challenges, including terrorism, regional instability, and the protection of vital trade routes. Turkiye’s strategic location and its military capabilities make it a key player in ensuring regional security, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in Syria, Libya, and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region.

A key catalyst in Turkiye’s reintegration into the Arab regional system has been the normalization of its relations with Egypt. After years of tension following the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, Turkiye and Egypt have taken significant steps towards reconciliation. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s recent visit to Ankara, the first since he came to power, marks a turning point in the bilateral relationship. Egypt’s pivotal role within the Arab League has facilitated Turkiye’s renewed engagement with the broader Arab world, and the Egyptian-Turkish rapprochement has been instrumental in reopening channels of dialogue between Turkiye and other Arab states.

The support of key Arab states, including Egypt, has also played a role in advancing Turkiye’s normalization efforts with Syria. Although relations between Ankara and Damascus remain fraught due to complex issues such as the Kurdish conflict, refugee concerns, and the presence of Turkish military forces in northern Syria, there are ongoing efforts to bridge the divide. Syria’s approval of Turkiye’s participation in the Arab League meeting, despite some disagreements, signals a potential pathway for Turkish-Syrian normalization within the framework of Arab regional institutions.

While the recent thaw in relations between Turkiye and Arab states is encouraging, challenges remain. Over the past decade, the Arab League has frequently criticized Turkiye’s military interventions in northern Syria, Libya, and Somalia. These operations, seen as infringements on Arab sovereignty, were a major source of tension between Turkiye and the Arab world. However, as political relations improve, there has been a noticeable shift in the tone of the Arab League’s statements regarding Turkiye. At the most recent summit, the Arab League did not criticize Turkiye’s actions-a marked departure from past summits, which frequently included condemnations of Turkish policies.

This softening of rhetoric reflects the broader trend of normalization, but it also highlights the need for continued diplomatic efforts to address lingering concerns. The complex dynamics of the Turkish-Syrian relationship, in particular, will require sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures if lasting reconciliation is to be achieved.

As Turkiye continues its efforts to normalize relations with its Arab neighbors, the prospect of its formal integration into the Arab regional system seems more plausible than ever. While challenges remain, particularly regarding Turkiye’s military presence in the region, the recent diplomatic breakthroughs indicate a genuine desire on both sides to forge stronger ties. The revival of forums such as the Turkish-Arab Economy Forum and the joint action plan with the GCC underscore the importance of economic and security cooperation as the foundation for this new phase in Turkish-Arab relations.

The Gaza war has further underscored Turkiye’s role as a key player in the region, as it aligns itself with Arab states in seeking an end to the violence. Whether Amr Moussa’s vision of Turkiye as part of the Arab regional system will finally be realized remains to be seen, but the current trajectory offers hope for deeper cooperation and mutual understanding in the years to come.

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