ANKARA, Turkey: This week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan embarks on a diplomatic mission to Albania and Serbia, signaling Turkey’s growing influence in the Balkans. The visit highlights Turkey’s economic, cultural, and military ties to the region, as Erdogan aims to solidify partnerships with both nations.
In Albania, Erdogan will inaugurate the Great Mosque of Tirana, a symbol of Turkey’s cultural footprint in the region. Turkish investments in Albania, totaling $3.5 billion, have bolstered its economy, with over 600 Turkish companies operating in the country and employing more than 15,000 workers. The two countries also collaborate militarily, with Albania recently acquiring Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones.
The visit to Serbia, where Erdogan mended relations with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in 2017, is expected to focus on military cooperation and economic ties. Turkish investments in Serbia have surged to $400 million over the past decade, and trade between the two nations has nearly doubled since 2020. Turkey’s support for Kosovo remains a delicate issue, but potential agreements on military cooperation could further strengthen ties between Ankara and Belgrade.
Turkey’s diplomatic outreach to the Balkans, with its growing investments and military agreements, underscores its strategic interest in the region amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
