Turkish and South Korean foreign ministers meet in Ankara

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan welcomed South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to Ankara on Wednesday for an official working visit. The meeting, confirmed by the Turkish Foreign Ministry through a post on the social media platform NSosyal, included shared photographs but no immediate details on the specific discussions.

Continuation of Strategic Partnership Dialogue

The high-level encounter follows a series of diplomatic exchanges aimed at deepening the strategic partnership established in 2012. It comes just months after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's official visit to Türkiye in November, which resulted in the signing of three agreements and a joint declaration reinforcing bilateral ties. The ministers' talks are expected to cover a broad agenda, including trade, defense industry cooperation, technology, and regional issues.

Historical Foundation of Bilateral Relations

Relations between Ankara and Seoul are rooted in a shared history dating back to Türkiye's early recognition of South Korea in 1949. The bond was solidified during the Korean War, where Türkiye was among the first nations to answer the UN call, deploying nearly 23,000 soldiers. This historical military support forms a cornerstone of the enduring friendship and mutual trust between the two nations.

Economic Ties and Future Prospects

Economically, South Korea is Türkiye's second-largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region after China, with bilateral trade volume reaching approximately $10.3 billion in 2024. A Free Trade Agreement further facilitates this robust economic relationship. The ministers' meeting serves to explore new avenues for collaboration in advanced technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure, leveraging the complementary strengths of both economies to foster mutual growth and stability.