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Türkiye has become a growing center of military diplomacy, with around 10 foreign warships visiting Turkish ports every week, including frequent visits by NATO vessels, as global attention focuses on Ankara’s strategic and defense influence.
Sources emphasized that Türkiye’s geopolitical position has evolved from being merely a geographic advantage to a “strategic power multiplier.”
The country is not only taking an active role in global diplomatic tables but also demonstrating the capability to establish such platforms.
Recent years have seen the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) play a pivotal role in reshaping Türkiye’s international standing through its military diplomacy activities.
The TSK has moved beyond its traditional security role, becoming a key “instrument of diplomacy.”
The military training missions conducted by Turkish forces in Somalia, Libya, and Azerbaijan have served not only as capacity-building initiatives but also as efforts in confidence- and system-building.
According to senior sources cited by Yeni Safhak, many countries seeking to purchase defense systems from Türkiye first ask whether those systems are actively used by the Turkish military.
African nations have reportedly taken Somalia as a model, requesting Türkiye to help build similar systems in their own countries.
Sources noted that Senegal recently requested a Turkish maritime patrol aircraft, reflecting trust in Türkiye’s military expertise.
The regular expansion of Türkiye’s defense industry and its training activities abroad have drawn global attention.
Türkiye continues to maintain a policy of balance in a region marked by instability.
Officials underlined that Türkiye is becoming a “center of diplomacy and peace,” with discussions suggesting that the next Russia-Ukraine peace talks could take place in Türkiye.
They added that European countries are increasingly engaging with Türkiye, recognizing the shifting balance of power in the region.
In this context, military ship visits to Turkish ports have increased significantly. On average, 10 foreign warships, including NATO vessels, visit Turkish ports weekly.
The visiting crews observe Turkish naval infrastructure and benefit from its operational experience.
These visits also contribute economically to host cities, reinforcing Türkiye’s role as a key actor in regional military and diplomatic cooperation.
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