Singapore–Turkey relations

Singapore–Turkey relations
Map indicating locations of Singapore and Turkey

Singapore
Turkey

Singapore - Turkey relations are the bilateral relations between Singapore and Turkey. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 12 February 1969.[1][2][3] Singapore has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Singapore.

Economic relations

17th century Ottoman Turkish map showing Singapore in red (the main island shown is Sumatra)

Primary export products of Turkey includes iron and steel; mineral fuel oils; furniture bedding, lamps, fittings; boilers and parts; articles of apparel and accessories knitted. Turkish imports are mainly composed of postal packages and special transactions; electrical machinery and appliances; aluminum and plastic products.[1]

During a visit by Singapore President SR Nathan to Turkey in 2009, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey- Foreign Economic Relations Board (TOBB-DEIK) and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) concluded an agreement on the establishment of Turkey-Singapore Business Council. The council aims to promote bilateral trade between the two countries, as well as develop industrial and technological cooperation. Turkey and Singapore have agreements for “Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income” and “Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments”.[4]

Bilateral trade hit a record high in 2011 with total trade reaching S$2.2 billion in 2011, a 79 per cent increase from the previous year.[5]

An FTA between both nations was signed in November 2015 and entered into force in October 2017 during the G20 Summit that year.[6]

State visits

In 2012, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan visited Singapore where he met with Singapore President Tony Tan, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister of Foreign Affairs K. Shanmugam and Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang. The two leaders agreed to further deepen bilateral cooperation across different sectors including trade, investments and finance. During the meetings, the leaders acknowledged the excellent state of bilateral relations between Singapore and Turkey. Babacan warmly welcomed Singapore's intention to open an embassy in Ankara later that year. They also exchanged views on regional developments in Asia and the Middle East.[7]

H.E. President Erdoğan, then in his capacity as Prime Minister, visited Singapore on 8–9 January 2014. H.E. Prime Minister Lee visited Turkey on 12–15 October 2014. Prime Minister H.E Binali Yıldırım paid an official visit to Singapore on 21–22 August 2017.[1]

Migration

There are 500 Turkish citizens based in Singapore and over 50 Turkish companies registered in Singapore.[8]

Embassies

Embassy of Turkey, Singapore

The Embassy of Turkey in Singapore is the diplomatic mission of Turkey in Singapore. It is located in the Tanglin district of Singapore. The embassy promotes Turkish interests in Singapore and represents Turkey's political, economic, and cultural interests in the country.[9] The embassy also provides consular services to Turkish nationals residing in or visiting Singapore.

The embassy offers various services, including visa application processing, passport renewal, and notary services. It also provides information and assistance to Turkish citizens in case of emergencies, such as natural disasters, accidents, or arrests.[10][11] The embassy also works closely with the Turkish community in Singapore to provide support and assistance as needed.[12]

The current ambassador of Turkey to Singapore is Mehmet Burçin Gönenli, who assumed his duties in April 2021.[13] He is responsible for overseeing the embassy's operations and promoting strong bilateral relations between Turkey and Singapore.[14]

References

  1. ^ a b c "From Rep. Of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs".
  2. ^ Hermes (2019-06-26). "Singapore, Turkey mark 50 years of bilateral ties | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  3. ^ "As Turkey and Singapore emerge from Covid-19, exciting prospects ahead to carry relations to new heights". www.businesstimes.com.sg. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  4. ^ W, Desmond. "Singapore, Turkey to set up council to promote bilateral trade". Retrieved 15 March 2012.
  5. ^ "SPEECH Report". www.nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  6. ^ Hermes (2017-08-22). "Turkey, S'pore FTA to take effect in October | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  7. ^ Ng, Julia. "Singapore and Turkey to deepen bilateral ties". Retrieved 15 March 2012.
  8. ^ "Mr S Iswaran at the Turkey-Singapore Business and Investment Forum 2012". www.mti.gov.sg. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  9. ^ "MFA Spokesperson's Comments on the Bomb Explosion in Istanbul, 13 November 2022". www.mfa.gov.sg. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  10. ^ "Singapore's Turkish Embassy calls for donations while SCDF deploys help for earthquake victims as death toll rises". Yahoo News. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  11. ^ Mahad, Fitri (2023-02-09). "Turkish Embassy in Singapore seeking donations including winter clothes, canned food for earthquake victims". youthopia.sg. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  12. ^ "'Cannot be described in words': Turkish Embassy on Singaporeans' overwhelming generosity for earthquake victims | Coconuts".
  13. ^ cue (2023-02-26). "Turks in S'pore feeling desperate, doing what they can to help: Turkish Ambassador | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  14. ^ AA, Daily Sabah with (2022-05-19). "Singapore has special place in Turkey's Asia Anew initiative: Envoy". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 2023-04-28.