Autriche-Turquie - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Historical relations: The relationship between Austria and Turkey dates back to the 16th century when the Ottoman Empire had a significant presence in southeastern Europe. Austria and the Ottoman Empire were often at odds, with conflicts such as the Siege of Vienna in 1683. However, in more recent times, the two countries have developed diplomatic relations based on mutual respect.
- 2. Diplomatic ties: Austria and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1924, shortly after the founding of the Republic of Turkey. The two countries have embassies in each other's capitals and maintain a strong diplomatic presence.
- 3. Trade relations: Austria is one of Turkey's top trading partners in Europe. The two countries have a significant volume of trade, with Austria exporting machinery, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals to Turkey, and importing textiles, furniture, and food products in return.
- 4. Tourism: Austria is a popular destination for Turkish tourists, attracted by its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural attractions. Turkish visitors can explore the historic cities of Vienna and Salzburg, as well as the picturesque Austrian Alps.
- 5. Cooperation in the EU: Both Austria and Turkey are members of the Council of Europe, and Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership since 1987. Austria has supported Turkey's EU membership bid, although there have been tensions in recent years due to political differences.
- 6. Refugee crisis: Austria and Turkey have both been affected by the refugee crisis, with Turkey hosting millions of Syrian refugees and Austria receiving a significant number of asylum seekers. The two countries have cooperated on refugee issues, with Austria providing financial support to help Turkey manage the refugee influx.
- 7. Cultural exchange: Austria and Turkey have a strong cultural exchange, with Turkish music, art, and cuisine being popular in Austria. Turkish immigrants in Austria have also contributed to the country's cultural diversity, with Turkish restaurants and shops being a common sight in Austrian cities.
- 8. Education and research: Austria and Turkey have cooperation agreements in the field of education and research, with universities in both countries collaborating on academic projects and student exchanges. Turkish students also study in Austria, attracted by its high-quality education system.
- 9. Political relations: Austria and Turkey have had some political disagreements in recent years, particularly over issues such as human rights and freedom of speech. However, the two countries continue to engage in dialogue and maintain diplomatic relations.
- 10. Future prospects: Despite occasional tensions, Austria and Turkey have a strong foundation for cooperation based on shared interests and mutual respect. Both countries have expressed a desire to strengthen their economic, cultural, and political ties in the future.