Türkiye expands regional influence as Erdogan launches intense diplomacy tour

Türkiye’s long-standing positions on Syria have gained broader international recognition, with recent developments on the ground aligning with its strategic goals.

As Ankara asserts itself regionally, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set for a busy schedule of international diplomacy.

Erdogan is expected to visit Italy on April 29, where he will meet with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.

The visit will include the fourth Türkiye-Italy Intergovernmental Summit, focusing on boosting bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Both sides are aiming to expand the current trade volume of $32 billion.

Next stops: TRNC, Iraq, and Azerbaijan

Following Italy, Erdogan is likely to visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in early May to attend the Teknofest technology and aviation event.

In the same month, Türkiye will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani for the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. The summit, scheduled for May 8 in Ankara, will center on security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts, particularly regarding regional militant activity.

President Erdogan is also expected to visit Azerbaijan in May, further solidifying strategic ties between the two countries.

Erdogan and Trump meeting in the works

Diplomatic preparations are underway for a possible meeting between President Erdogan and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

While the leaders are scheduled to attend the NATO Leaders’ Summit in The Hague on June 24–25, an earlier bilateral meeting in either Türkiye or the United States is being considered.

Antalya to host informal NATO meeting

Meanwhile, Antalya continues to emerge as a hub for international diplomacy. The city will host an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers on May 14–15, chaired by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The gathering will serve as a preparatory session ahead of the June NATO Leaders’ Summit.