The Spanish Ambassador explained that Turkey is a democratic and open country, offering valuable business opportunities for Spanish entrepreneurs.
Its slow process of integration into the EU seems unjustified, given that it is a market of 70 million inhabitants with an ideal strategic location.
– What assessment would you make of the diplomatic relations between Spain and Türkiye?
Spain has maintained relations with Türkiye since 1782, during the reign of Charles III. However, full relations between the two countries only truly took place during the democratic era.
The development of relations has been remarkable, built on a solid political and economic foundation and growing trade. There is an excellent personal relationship between the governments; in fact, Their Majesties the King and Queen and President Aznar have visited the country on several occasions.
The major change in the country occurred in 1995 with the signing of the Customs Union Agreement between the EU and Turkey. From 1996 onwards, Spanish exports tripled, and despite the political instability and economic crisis that affected the country, trade increased significantly in 2001 and 2002.
The relationship between Spain and Türkiye has very clear potential. They are two complementary economies, located in a relatively close geographical area, and whose populations maintain good personal relations.
– What is your opinion of the stance taken by Türkiye in the Iraq conflict?
Türkiye's position has been very difficult. It's a neighboring country, and it's always easier to offer an opinion from a distance than from close proximity.
Turkey's position is difficult for several reasons. First, there is the serious destabilization of the neighboring country and all its consequences, especially the possibility of its disintegration into several geographical zones, which greatly worried Turkey. Furthermore, the very negative experience of the 1991 Gulf War must be considered. All of this is compounded by a newly formed government that lacked a Prime Minister, a position that could not be consolidated until March.
After a few weeks of negotiations with the United States, Parliament did not allow the deployment of American troops, although they did open the air bases for them.
– Do you think that the entry of ten more countries into the EU will displace Turkey in its relations with Europe?
From Turkey's perspective, what matters most is its accession process, which is far from easy. On the one hand, the significant reforms that have been implemented are still insufficient, and on the other hand, some within the European Union are concerned about absorbing a country of 70 million inhabitants, a large country with development challenges.
The enlargement may have repercussions for the EU, as it must maintain a waiting period until another enlargement process can take place.
-What is your opinion on the new configuration of the European map?
There has been a very intense debate about the essence of the EU and its borders.
I don't agree with those debates because I don't see any difficulty in a country like Turkey integrating into the EU, or why it might have more problems in the EU than the Baltic states, for example. The circumstances are different because, of the ten countries that are going to join, the only one of considerable size is Poland; the others are very small. Turkey's GDP is almost double that of all the other countries combined. If the issue is one of religion or culture, then it's different. However, viewing the EU as a club of Christian countries seems to me to be a short-sighted and inaccurate view of social reality.
In Spain, for example, we already have significant Muslim populations. I don't think it's a problem, and in fact, Spanish businesses based in Turkey with Turkish staff are experiencing very positive economic and production activity.
On the other hand, it is also unfair to say that these candidate countries do belong to Europe, when Türkiye has also belonged to it for many centuries.
My opinion is that the EU would gain considerably from the accession of a country that provides a significant market, far larger in size and potential than the other countries that are going to join, and that possesses a key strategic location. And that, despite all its problems and shortcomings, has the advantage of being the only Muslim-majority country with a stable democracy.
– How would you describe the penetration of Spanish culture and customs in Türkiye in recent years, and vice versa?
In Spain, there's very little knowledge about Turkey. We have a number of stereotypes and are unfamiliar with its history, from the Byzantine period and the Ottoman Empire to the Republic and the War of Independence with Kemal Atatürk as a key figure. We also don't understand the significance of its Constitution, so it's often judged superficially.
There is a great deal of interest in Spain in Turkey; I even think there is a certain admiration. Many similarities are found because Spain is a southern, Mediterranean country that has undergone a transition, achieved a very acceptable level of development, and has a consolidated democracy.
– What could be conveyed to Spanish businesspeople to give them peace of mind when investing?
The level of Spanish investment has been quite low, although it is of very high quality. The companies that are established in the country are high-performing, with significant production, and are doing outstanding work.
Why isn't Spanish investment in the country increasing? There are many bureaucratic hurdles that make the task difficult.
Turkish authorities have failed to resolve this problem, resulting in the loss of significant investment opportunities. In fact, some Turkish companies have relocated their investments to countries like Bulgaria and Romania, which is a cause for concern.
From an institutional point of view, I believe that the Spanish presence in Turkey works very well, with Expotecnia in 1999, which was a very important event, and, on the other hand, the financial cooperation agreement that was signed in 1998, which has allowed Spanish companies easy access.
Looking ahead, there are two very clear projects: to promote investment and to develop the idea of the financial protocol and direct it not only towards infrastructure but also towards lines of credit.
– In short, what competitive advantage does Türkiye have over other countries in the region?
The main one is the Customs Union with the EU. Furthermore, it is a country with an exceptionally skilled, inexpensive, and highly motivated workforce. The country's most outstanding asset is its human capital.
Spaniards who have come to Turkey have found a well-trained and highly capable workforce. Spanish companies should identify potential market niches. The automotive sector and the agri-food sector both have a bright future.
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