Modern Relations Between Central Asian Countries and Turkey

Abstract

In the article considered trade and economic relations between the countries of Central Asia and Turkey at the present stage. It should be noted that Turkey is expanding its presence not only in Kazakhstan, but also in Central Asia. Turkish business operates in various sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy. Bilateral relations have positive dynamics and a strategic perspective. The Turkish presence in the region begins to grow rapidly. Ankara rendered assistance to Central Asian countries in joining the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Islamic Conference Organization and joining the Security and Cooperation Organizations in Europe (OSCE), partially taking upon itself even the execution of relevant documents. Turkey invests in the economy of the post-Soviet republics, Turkish entrepreneurs contribute to these processes. Turkey, located at the intersection of the most important, but at the same time problematic regions of the world, Europe and Asia, is implementing an unusually active and ambitious foreign policy. Turkish diplomacy seeks to nullify problems with its closest neighbors in the region, solving them through multilateral dialogue. Among the priorities of the «soft power» of Turkey in Central Asia one can single out the implementation of joint projects in the field of education and culture. Since 1991, the Turkish  state, private entrepreneurs and non-governmental organizations have opened many educational institutions
in Central Asian countries, Turkish leaders have begun to implement the «Big Student Project».