Turkish foreign policy in 2021

Throughout 2020, Turkey made a very significant impact in the Eastern Mediterranean, Syria, Libya and especially in the Caucasus, where it is active on the field and at the table. Turkey's foreign policy initiatives, especially concentrated in these areas, have also become a source of tension in Turkey-European Union and Turkey-United States relations. Despite everything, Turkey has emerged as a key stakeholder due to its initiatives to resolve the conflicts in Syria, Libya and the Caucasus in relations to other powers in the region, particularly Russia and some European countries.
Ankara believes that the initiative it has taken in these areas is a win not only for itself and the home country but also for the entire region and the world. For this reason, Turkey is more interested in Armenia taking part in a regional initiative after the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict than anyone else.
First, it is very clear that Turkey expects a new definition of relations with the U.S. and the EU on its foreign policy course in 2021. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan already underlined this point in his recent group meeting speech. "In the new year, we desire to turn a new page in our relations with the U.S. and Europe. We do not see our multifaceted political, economic and military cooperation as an alternative to our deep-rooted ties with America. We hope that the European Union also will get rid of the strategic blindness that has driven Turkey away from itself as soon as possible," he said.
Erdoğan also stressed that Turkey has no prejudice against anyone and does not have animosity, hostility or claims on the territory of other countries. "I believe that Mr. Biden, the new president of the U.S., will also pay due attention to Turkish-American relations,” he said, referring to Joe Biden, the elected president of the United States.
In a meeting with journalists the previous day, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu noted that Turkey will prioritize dialogue and communication in 2021 and will continue to show its soft power. Çavusoglu also added that Turkey will not hesitate to show its strength in the field where its national security interests are at stake․
Erdoğan also underlined that in the equation of confrontational international relations in the world, Turkey would attain a "golden ratio," although it seems difficult. He concluded that the new year would be a year of glory for Turkey.