In the last ten years, the diplomatic relationship between France and Turkey has undergone a significant transformation, marked by substantive discussions and collaborative efforts. This evolving alliance, driven by shared views on global issues, joint counterterrorism initiatives, and economic cooperation through the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), has strengthened ties between the two nations.

High-Profile Visits Cement Diplomatic Rapport

A series of high-profile visits has played a pivotal role in solidifying the diplomatic bond between France and Turkey:

Turkish President's visit to Paris on January 5, 2018.

Turkish Economics Minister's visit to Paris on April 10, 2018, coinciding with the JETCO session.

Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs' visit to Paris on May 22, 2019.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs' visit to Ankara on June 13, 2019.

For a comprehensive overview of these significant diplomatic exchanges, interested parties can refer to the French Embassy in Turkey's website, offering detailed insights into the bilateral discussions.

Robust Economic Trade Partnership

The economic and trade partnership between France and Turkey has seen substantial growth, resulting in trade volumes reaching €14 billion in 2018. Turkey stands as France's 13th largest global supplier, rising to the fifth position when excluding the EU and Switzerland. Additionally, Turkey holds the position of France's 12th largest customer, surging to the third spot when excluding the EU and Switzerland. In reciprocation, France ranks as Turkey's sixth-largest customer, constituting 4.3% of its exports.

Education, Science, Culture, and Technology Ties

Beyond economic collaboration, both nations have cultivated extensive ties in education, science, culture, and technology. Accredited French schools under the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and institutions like the French Institute for Anatolian Studies (IFEA) and the Francophone Galatasaray University, established through a bilateral agreement in 1992, contribute significantly to academic and cultural collaborations.

Trade Dynamics and Challenges

Trade dynamics between France and Turkey show momentum, especially in French exports across various sectors, including Aerospace, Chemical industry, and the Automotive sector. However, challenges persist in certain sectors, as evidenced by the decline in pharmaceutical exports due to Turkey's increased protectionist measures.

Turkey's Evolving Market Share in France

Despite increased purchases from France, Turkey's market share in the country has diminished. France slipped from the 6th largest supplier to the 8th position in 2022, reflecting alterations in Turkey's import dynamics. Conversely, French imports from Turkey reached their highest historical level in 2022, totaling €10.7 billion.

Economic Complexity and Growth Rates

In 2021, France ranked 15th with an Economic Complexity Index (ECI) of 1.35, while Turkey held the 42nd position with an ECI of 0.61. France secured the 7th place globally in GDP at $2.96 trillion in current US dollars, experiencing a growth rate of 3.24%. Conversely, Turkey held the 19th rank with a GDP of $819 billion but underwent a negative growth rate of -2.35% in 2021.

The flourishing diplomatic ties and robust economic partnership between France and Turkey signify a positive trajectory, demonstrating the depth and breadth of collaboration between the two nations.

References: 

https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/Pays/TR/relations-bilaterales#:~:text=Les%20exportations%20fran%C3%A7aises%20vers%20la,annexe%201).

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/turkey/france-and-turkey/

https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-country/fra/partner/tur