Turkey is an important stability factor in the Western Balkans, said Bosnian leader Sefik Dzaferovic.
Dzaferovic, the Bosniak member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, assessed the geostrategic importance of Turkey in Western Balkans ahead of an official visit by members of the Presidency, which will take place on March 16.
According to him, Turkey is a country being an important strategic factor in the geography of Western Balkans.
"Turkey is an important country in the world but also an important stability factor in the Western Balkans. Turkey has good relations with all Western Balkan countries, and this is very important for Bosnia and Herzegovina," he said.
Speaking to Eurasia Diary, Irfan Kaya Ülger, a professor of international relations at the Kocaeli University, has made brief comments on Turkey’s strength and influence in the region of Western Balkans.
Political expert initially touched upon the previous notion of the geography and the remnants of Ottoman influence in the region.
“First of all, let's define what we mean when we talk about the Western Balkans. Western Balkans was a region consisting of the former Yugoslav states, beside Slovenia, and in addition Albania is also included in this geography. Turkey has natural influence in this region. Because, the Ottoman empire had ruled the eastern part of the Balkans for 400 years and the western part for 200 years,” Irfan said.
Turkish expert pointed out that Western Balkans is Turkey's gateway to Europe.
“The region of Western Balkans is a buffer zone between Turkey and Western Europe in terms of economy and security. The dominant ethnic element in this geography is the Slavic peoples. Bosnians, Albanians and Macedonians are friendly to Turkey and have a positive attitude to the cooperation with our country. Turkey has also a close relationship with Serbia, who experienced tensions in their relations with Turkey during the Bosnian War,” he added.
Irfan believed that Ankara is a main actor playing a important role in preserving peace and stability in the region of Western Balkans.
“Turkey has been supporting peace and stability in the Western Balkans since 1991. Overcoming micro-nationalism based on ethnicity and eliminating the instability in Western Balkans, Ankara has been contributing to peace and stability in the region through soft power elements. Croatia, Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro are NATO members. Turkey supports the joining of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo to NATO. Turkey’s trade relations with the countries of the region are being progressed day by day,” he stressed.
Furthermore, Turkish expert considered that the soft power, which is a one of basic elements for the foreign policy of Turkey, plays a significant role in enhancing Turkey’s economic and cultural influence in Western Balkans and other regions.
“I believe that soft power is an important factor for Turkey to increase its influence in Western Balkans. The teaching of Turkish language in the region is given more attention. Moreover, Turkish television channels and TV series are being widely watched in the Balkan geography. In addition, Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), Yunus Emre Institute, Turkish schools connected to the Education Foundation have been opened in the region,” he said.
“In general, Turkey has a strong effect, which can be said to have an equivalent level with the EU, over the countries of the region,” he added.
Yunis Abdullayev
