OPENING TO THE EAST

All these countries have different importance for Turkey, especially in terms of economic potential. However, none of them can be an alternative to the West, that is, to the US and European countries in the economic and political areas. Sometimes those angered with the US or the European Union point to the East an alternative, but this is neither reasonable nor realistic. Turkish foreign policy will be successful only as long as it evaluates the ‘Eastern’ dimension along with the US and the EU.

Actually Turkey’s geographical situation is very suitable for multidimensional thinking. However, our foreign policy priorities have caused our attention to move to these countries and regions. Actually most of these countries show more of an interest in Turkey than we show in them, for example Japan. Japan has been watching Turkey not just for the purpose of selling its goods or promoting trade. It has many experts on Turkey who speak our language and know our history and culture. In addition, many Japanese students learn about us. Japan declared 2003 ‘The Year of Turkey,’ and there is a great interest in various cultural and artistic activities promoting our nation. During his current contacts in Tokyo, Gul has argued that Turkish-Japanese relations should be improved not only bilaterally, but also on the basis of third countries. For example, great benefits could be realized for Iraq’s reconstruction if Turkey’s information and experience were combined with Japan’s financial resources and technology. This would establish a wholly new field of cooperation between our two countries.

Gul told how Japan is one of the rare few countries which doesn’t require visas for Turkish citizens, and that there are 2,000 registered Turkish citizens in this country. Throughout the Year of Turkey, the interest and sympathy of Japanese towards Turks is continuing.”