UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Embarks on State Visit to Türkiye to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has commenced a pivotal state visit to Ankara, Türkiye, following an official invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This diplomatic engagement is noteworthy not merely for the ceremonial aspects but also for the emphasis it places on consolidating the multifaceted relationship shared between the two nations.
Accompanying His Highness is an illustrious delegation comprising senior officials, including H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, along with various ministers and advisors who are instrumental in shaping UAE’s domestic and foreign policies. The wide-ranging attendance not only highlights the event’s significance but also underscores the strategic importance placed on enhancing diplomatic ties between the UAE and Türkiye.
This visit comes at a crucial juncture, characterized by burgeoning economic interactions and a collective vision of reciprocal growth. In recent years, the UAE and Türkiye have intensified their collaboration, which has resulted in significant economic agreements and partnerships. In April 2025, both nations convened in Abu Dhabi for the second session of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), a platform aimed at bolstering trade and commercial relations, particularly in light of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that took effect on September 1, 2023.
Josef Marko, an economic analyst, pointed out that “the CEPA initiative aims to promote trade growth and economic diversification, crucial for both economies.” He emphasized that the agreement has already fostered an environment conducive for businesses to thrive across borders, marking a new chapter in UAE-Turkish relations.
Recent reports indicate an impressive 11.5 percent growth in non-oil trade for 2024, with figures expected to surpass .5 billion. This milestone positions Türkiye as the UAE’s fourth-largest trading partner, dramatically rising from its previous standing as the seventh-largest trading partner just a few years ago. The attainment of such a substantial target ahead of the scheduled timeline is particularly noteworthy, reflecting the robust momentum of the commercial relationship.
During discussions between Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Ömer Bolat, Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, there was a palpable sense of optimism and forward-thinking. The dialogue spanned various sectors including trade finance, investments, green technology, industry, and joint ventures in third-party countries. The ministers emphasized the importance of aligning regulatory standards, particularly around Halal certification, to streamline operations and increase mutual benefits.
Enhancing Economic Engagement
His Highness’ visit also signifies the UAE’s growing footprint in Türkiye through direct investments. According to Ahmet Burak Daglioglu, head of the Investment Office of the Turkish Presidency, the cumulative foreign direct investment from the UAE has reached AED 20.6 billion (approximately .6 billion) from 2002 until August 2023. Approximately 600 UAE-based companies are presently operating in various sectors within Türkiye, showcasing the willingness of Emirati businesses to tap into the Turkish market.
Continued investments predominantly feature sectors such as energy, healthcare, logistics, and tourism—areas poised for transformative growth. Furthermore, both nations’ collaborative efforts extend beyond mere economic exchanges, addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and water management, which resonate deeply within the contexts of both economies.
The synergy created by the recent agreements stands testament to the commitment of both countries to explore new avenues for cooperation. In July 2023, an ambitious array of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) was ratified, amounting to a staggering .7 billion, aimed at fortifying bilateral economic cooperation.
Conclusion
As Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan embarks on this significant visit, it signals a profound commitment to elevating the relationship between the UAE and Türkiye to new heights. The unfolding developments hold promise not only for enhanced trade and investment opportunities but also for fostering an enduring partnership that will continue to bear fruit for both nations.
This moment reinforces the UAE’s growing international standing and the strategic alliances it seeks to cultivate as part of its broader vision of economic diversification and global integration.
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