The question of who Turkey's "best friend" is diplomatically is complex and lacks a definitive, universally agreed-upon answer. While Northern Cyprus is often considered one of Turkey's closest allies, the concept of "best friend" in international relations is nuanced and dependent on specific contexts.
Here's a breakdown of factors to consider:
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Northern Cyprus: Turkey is the only country that recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). This close relationship stems from historical ties and Turkey's support for the TRNC's independence. Therefore, Northern Cyprus can be viewed as a strong ally, especially regarding political and economic support.
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Azerbaijan: Turkey and Azerbaijan share strong cultural, linguistic, and historical ties, often described using the phrase "one nation, two states." They maintain close cooperation in various fields, including energy, defense, and trade. This strategic partnership makes Azerbaijan a significant ally for Turkey.
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Varying Alliances and Shifting Priorities: International relations are dynamic. Turkey's relationships with other countries fluctuate based on shared interests, geopolitical strategies, and evolving circumstances. A country that is a strong partner today might be a rival or competitor tomorrow.
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NATO Allies: Turkey is a member of NATO, and therefore has formal alliance commitments with other NATO members. However, relations with some NATO allies, such as the United States and certain European countries, have experienced periods of tension due to disagreements over policy issues.
Conclusion:
While Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan are demonstrably close allies, the notion of a single "best friend" is too simplistic in the context of international relations. Turkey maintains a complex network of relationships based on various factors, and the strength of these relationships evolves over time.
