Niederlande – Türkei - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Historical Relations: The Netherlands and Turkey have had diplomatic relations since 1612, when the Dutch Republic established a trading post in Istanbul. The two countries have a long history of economic, cultural, and political ties.
- 2. Immigration: There is a significant Turkish community in the Netherlands, with over 400,000 Turkish people living in the country. Many Turks migrated to the Netherlands in the 1960s and 1970s as guest workers, and their descendants make up a large portion of the Dutch population.
- 3. Diplomatic Disputes: The Netherlands and Turkey have had several diplomatic disputes in recent years, particularly surrounding issues of human rights and freedom of speech. Tensions have also arisen over Turkey's crackdown on dissent and the Netherlands' refusal to allow Turkish officials to campaign in the country.
- 4. EU Accession: Turkey has been seeking to join the European Union for several decades, but its accession process has been stalled due to concerns over human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The Netherlands has been a vocal critic of Turkey's EU membership bid.
- 5. Trade Relations: The Netherlands is Turkey's 10th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching over $8 billion in 2020. The two countries have a strong economic relationship, with Dutch companies investing in Turkey and Turkish businesses operating in the Netherlands.
- 6. Tourism: Turkey is a popular tourist destination for Dutch travelers, with over 1 million Dutch tourists visiting the country each year. The Netherlands is also a popular destination for Turkish tourists, particularly those visiting family members or for business purposes.
- 7. Cultural Exchange: The Netherlands and Turkey have a rich cultural exchange, with Turkish music, cuisine, and art being popular in the Netherlands. The two countries have also collaborated on various cultural events and projects to promote mutual understanding and appreciation.
- 8. Education: There are several educational exchange programs between the Netherlands and Turkey, allowing students to study abroad and experience different cultures. The two countries also have partnerships between universities and research institutions.
- 9. Political Relations: The Netherlands and Turkey have had a complex political relationship, with disagreements over issues such as human rights, democracy, and freedom of speech. Both countries have expressed concerns about each other's policies and actions.
- 10. Future Cooperation: Despite their differences, the Netherlands and Turkey continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation on various issues of mutual interest. Both countries have expressed a commitment to strengthening their relations and finding common ground on key challenges facing the international community.