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Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Turkey should be a strategic dialogue partner of Asean — Phar Kim Beng
JULY 13 — As Asean approaches a more uncertain and multipolar world order, the time has come for the bloc to reconsider and recalibrate its list of strategic partners. Among the candidates that merit serious attention is the Republic of Turkey — a country with a distinct geostrategic identity, a growing economic and technological footprint, and a track record of mediating complex international crises. Turkey, in short, is a power that Asean can no longer ignore. It is time that Turkey be recognized formally as a Strategic Dialogue Partner of Asean, and be included in the East Asia Summit (EAS) framework. It should not remain as a Sectoral Partner of Asean anymore. A strategic middle power bridging continents Turkey sits at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, a geography that lends it significant strategic depth. Bordering eight countries — including Greece, Bulgaria, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Armenia — Turkey has proximity to nearly all the major conflict zones and energy corridors of the world. Its ability to interface with NATO, the Arab League, the Organization of Turkic States, the European Union (as a customs union partner), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) illustrates its omni-directional diplomacy — precisely the kind of adaptable, multipolar foreign policy orientation that Asean itself aspires to embody. In the words of former Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, Turkey practices a 'zero problems with neighbors' policy. Even when this doctrine has been tested by regional upheavals — from the Syrian civil war to tensions with Greece — Ankara has adapted with strategic restraint rather than hegemonic ambition. In this regard, it mirrors Asean's ethos of non-interference, consensus-building, and respect for sovereignty. The current Foreign Minister Dr Hakan Fidan, not excluding Dr Ibrahim Kalin the Chief of Turkish intelligence, are two of the leading figures in the inner circle of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who have more than 25 years of impressive experience with the Global North and South. President Erdoğan's ability to speak directly with Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy, while simultaneously working with Western allies, is a testament to Turkey's status as a credible bridge-builder in an increasingly polarized world. ― Reuters pic Turkey's role in global and regional stability Turkey's growing reputation as a global mediator is another critical asset. In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Turkey has played a pivotal role — hosting rounds of peace talks, brokering the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and serving as one of the few NATO members that maintains a functioning relationship with both Kyiv and Moscow. President Erdoğan's ability to speak directly with Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy, while simultaneously working with Western allies, is a testament to Turkey's status as a credible bridge-builder in an increasingly polarized world. For Asean, which has often been caught between competing major powers — the United States and China, or Japan and South Korea — Turkey's calibrated diplomacy offers a valuable template and support structure. As and when Turkey can successfully balance its NATO obligations with cordial ties to Russia and China, its presence in the East Asia Summit would offer new dimensions of multilateral engagement, especially in times of crisis. Soft power and technological diplomacy Turkey is not merely a military or diplomatic actor. Its soft power has expanded through Turkish television dramas, cultural centers, humanitarian diplomacy, and public education initiatives in Africa, the Balkans, and Central Asia. In East Asia, Turkish Airlines is already a household name, connecting multiple Asean capitals with Istanbul and beyond. TİKA, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, has quietly engaged in development and humanitarian projects in the region, further laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation. Moreover, Turkey's rise as a drone superpower — especially with the globally recognized Bayraktar TB2 drones — has implications for the growing security-industrial aspirations of Asean member states. Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are already in the process of modernizing their maritime and aerial defenses. Turkey's unmanned aerial and maritime systems offer cost-effective, reliable alternatives to Western or Chinese technologies, without the geopolitical strings often attached. Realist grounds: Strategic balancing and security architecture From a realist perspective, Asean should include Turkey as a strategic dialogue partner to enhance its options in balancing external powers. Realism acknowledges that international relations are dictated by national interests, military capabilities, and the anarchic structure of the international system. In a context where China's influence is rising and U.S. commitment is questioned cyclically, Turkey provides Asean with another central-power actor capable of serving as a buffer and a balancer. Its NATO membership ensures it remains committed to a rules-based order, but its independence in foreign policy ensures that it does not automatically follow Washington's line. Turkey also commands one of the largest standing armies in the NATO alliance and maintains strong defense-industrial ties with South Korea, Pakistan, and increasingly with Southeast Asia. For a region like Asean that has been careful in not aligning militarily with any great power, but still needs to modernize its capabilities, Turkey offers a partner that is both capable and careful. Liberalist justifications: Trade, investment, and institutional partnerships From a liberal internationalist standpoint, the inclusion of Turkey serves Asean's goals of expanding open markets, rule-based institutions, and economic interdependence. Bilateral trade between Turkey and Asean exceeded USD 12 billion in 2023, with Turkey maintaining embassies in nearly all Asean capitals and free trade agreements in negotiation with Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Turkey has also expressed keen interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest free trade agreement centered around Asean. Institutionally, Turkey already has experience in regional multilateralism through its longstanding membership in the [G20], the D8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (with Malaysia and Indonesia), and as an observer to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Asean meetings. With diplomatic missions to the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta, and its constructive role in the [Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)], Turkey's entry into East Asia's top diplomatic forum is a logical next step. Constructivist approach: Shared norms and civilizational bridges Constructivist theory in international relations emphasizes the role of ideas, identities, and norms. In this light, Turkey and Asean share important normative commitments. Both champion multilateralism, sovereignty, and dialogue over coercion. Turkey's strong Islamic heritage also makes it a natural partner for Muslim-majority Asean states like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, while its secular governance structure provides a bridge to non-Muslim Asean members. Culturally, Turkey's historical engagement with Southeast Asia dates back centuries — through the Ottoman Empire's ties with the Sultanates of Aceh, Patani, and Johor. These enduring civilizational linkages remain untapped reservoirs of shared memory that could be revived and institutionalized. Turkey's emphasis on intercivilizational dialogue, as seen in its promotion of the 'Alliance of Civilizations' initiative at the United Nations, aligns with Asean's aspirations to be the convener of diverse global powers. Institutionalism: Embedding Turkey into Asean's multilateral norms Institutionalist theory argues that international institutions are essential in shaping the behavior of states through norms, rules, and repeated interaction. By including Turkey in the East Asia Summit and recognizing it as a Strategic Dialogue Partner, Asean can embed Ankara into its institutional fabric. This would allow Turkey to adapt to Asean's core norms — non-interference, peaceful dispute settlement, and decision-making by consensus. Furthermore, Turkey can contribute to regional initiatives on disaster relief (via the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance), counterterrorism cooperation, and public health diplomacy. Without a doubt, Turkey can play a proactive and productive role in Asean's comprehensive security agenda. Turkey's Omni-Directional Foreign Policy: A Complement, Not a Contradiction Lastly, Turkey's omni-directional foreign policy — its ability to pursue multiple and sometimes contradictory alignments — is not a liability but a strength. Rather than viewing Turkey as 'Janus-faced,' Asean should see Turkey as embodying precisely the kind of agility that is needed in today's fragmented global order. Asean itself has long practiced an equidistant diplomacy between the U.S., China, the EU, and other powers. Turkey's inclusion would only reinforce this balanced approach. Indeed, Turkey's relationship with China, Japan, and South Korea — three Asean Dialogue Partners — are all on solid footing. Ankara's ability to maintain working ties with Beijing on the Belt and Road Initiative, while opposing Chinese policies in Xinjiang on human rights grounds, reflects the kind of normative pragmatism that Asean itself often deploys. Conclusion: A case for inclusion, not exclusion As Asean reconsiders its diplomatic architecture in an era of power transition and fragmentation, Turkey stands out as a compelling candidate for Strategic Dialogue Partnership and East Asia Summit inclusion. Its geographic centrality, military and technological capabilities, cultural and religious affinities, as well as its record of responsible diplomacy, all make it an indispensable partner for Asean's future. The question is no longer why Asean should engage Turkey, but how soon. Waiting any longer would be to miss the opportunity to bring a rising and responsible power into the fold — one that can help Asean navigate a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, rivalry, and complexity. * Phar Kim Beng is a professor of Asean Studies and Director of the Institute of Internationalization and Asean Studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The University of Manchester-Dubai and British Chamber of Commerce Dubai sign annual strategic partnership agreement as UAE-UK business ties deepen
Dubai – United Arab Emirates: The University of Manchester-Dubai (the Middle East branch of one of the world's top research-driven universities) and British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD - a not-for-profit Chamber supporting a diverse and growing British business community) have announced a new Annual Strategic Partnership for 2025. The partnership will create mutual benefits for BCCD and its members, both individual and corporate, and the University's community of students, alumni and partners in Dubai and the UAE through business knowledge sharing, professional networking, and joint experiences and collaborations. The agreement reflects and supports the growing economic, commercial and academic ties between the UK and the UAE. With more than 5,000 UK businesses currently operating in the UAE, the region continues to attract growing interest from British businesses and entrepreneurs as a strategic hub for investment and expansion. According to recent research by UK advisory firm Pagefield, UK interest in the region has doubled in recent years, with 36% of British business leaders now viewing the Middle East as a key investment destination. Along with the co-branding and professional networking opportunities, the University will share its world-leading academics and research-driven thought leadership through faculty-led masterclasses for BCCD members. It will also provide access to the business focused post-graduate learning opportunities through the portfolio of part-time business master's programmes and executive education short business courses. As business faces the multiple challenges of rapid digital transformation, changing customer and consumer expectations and behaviours, and a growing range of global challenges from environmental to economic sustainability, the University's faculty thought leaders will share their research-driven insights that will help business leaders better understand and respond to this dynamic environment. Katy Holmes, CEO at British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD), said: 'We are truly honoured to announce this partnership with the University of Manchester. BCCD Annual Strategic Partners become an integral part of our overall proposition to our members and stakeholders and are therefore agreed with great care and consideration. We are passionate about bridging the gap between industry and academia and see great value in deepening our collaboration with the University of Manchester to enable such consistent knowledge transfer for the benefit of our business ecosystem. The University has an impressive reputation and a proud alumni network in the region. Our values and aspirations are beautifully aligned and I am really looking forward to the fruition of the partnership.' Randa Bessiso, Founder and Director Middle East, The University of Manchester - Dubai, added: 'The University is delighted to sign this Annual Strategic Partnership. BCCD is one of the most successful and impactful international Chambers within the British Chambers of Commerce network and plays a vital role in the dynamic UAE-UK economic relationship, attracting leading UK businesses and business leaders to its community. We share the aspiration to help create strong bonds through partnerships. The University has built a range of successful collaborations in the UAE, from corporate and social responsibility partnerships to joint academic research and commercialisation activity. 'As the business world changes, the very human demands of leadership and talent development are even more essential. Our aim is to support and develop working professionals through our knowledge sharing, teaching and learning, research insights and social responsibility programmes. From our Dubai branch, we already support thousands of students and alumni in a growing regional professional community and they will all benefit from - and contribute to - the partnership with BCCD.' The University of Manchester-Dubai offers a dynamic programme portfolio including a range of faculty-led, flexible learning Manchester part-time MBA programme options - Global Part-time MBA, Finance Accelerated MBA, and Global Executive MBA, and specialist part-time master's programmes, the award-winning MA Educational Leadership in Practice, and MSc Financial Management. Alongside the part-time business master's portfolio, the branch has recently introduced a new range of executive education short business courses. Since opening in the UAE in 2006, the University's Middle East branch in Dubai has developed a strong group of strategic talent and corporate partners across the region, including professional bodies and business groups, multinational and regional companies, and professional services organisations. The branch also works in close collaboration with a range of regional social responsibility partners as part of its commitment to fulfilling one of the University's principal missions in achieving positive social impact. Part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, The University of Manchester is a centre of teaching excellence, world-class research, outstanding student experience, and social responsibility. Its research and innovation track record includes creating the world's first nuclear reaction, building the modern computer, isolating graphene, pioneering development economics, and transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment across the world. The University celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024 and Alliance Manchester Business School celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025. About British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD) The British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD) supports British-owned, Dubai and RAK-based businesses and UK PLCs at every stage of their growth by providing a platform from which to market directly into the British business and expat community. The BCCD also provides a soft landing for UK companies seeking opportunity and growth in the region ahead of setting up locally. Since its inception in 1987, the BCCD has built a credible voice in the region with over 1000 active business and individual members, an impressive reach across social media and digital platforms including its weekly e-newsletter, and a diverse, engaged audience in the UAE, the GCC and the UK. The BCCD provides a great exposure opportunity for brands looking to increase their local market recognition. Through a considered and strategic calendar of over 70 events per year, the BCCD ensures high-quality networking opportunities, market knowledge sharing, valuable engagement opportunities and exclusive experiences for its members. The BCCD has a strong working relationship with the British Embassy and the Department for Business and Trade and is an international member of the British Chambers of Commerce. About The University of Manchester The University of Manchester is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and is one of the UK's largest single-site universities with more than 44,000 students on campus – including more than 10,000 international students. The University is consistently ranked among the world's elite institutions for graduate employability and world-class research across a diverse range of fields including cancer, advanced materials, global inequalities, energy and industrial biotechnology. 26 Nobel laureates have either worked or studied at the University, which is the only UK University to have social responsibility among its core strategic objectives, dedicated to making a positive difference in communities around the world. About The University of Manchester-Dubai The University of Manchester's Middle East branch at Dubai Knowledge Park opened in 2006 and is the largest and fastest growing in the University's international network comprising five hubs in key business cities around the world. The branch has supported 3,600 Manchester Global Part-time master's students in the region and graduated around 2,650 MBA students. The branch also works in regional collaborations with a range of industry groups, professional bodies and companies, and supports a regional alumni base of over 5,500.
