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152Turkey and Japan: Partnership is Gaining Strength
Abstract: The article deals with the main events and problems in the political and economic relations between Turkey and Japan. Special emphasis was placed on analyzing the motives of the both countries in developing bilateral relations. An active political dialogue between Turkey and Japan is a solid base for the development of efficient trade and investment cooperation. The strategic partnership which was achieved between the two countries during the AK Party's rule succeeded in construction of Marmaray tunnel and Izmit bridge as well as starting the construction of Sinop nuclear station. Economic cooperation is expected to continue in the area of aerospace industry, aviation and defense industry. Although bilateral political and economic cooperation have huge potential for growth there are some limitations in cooperation on regional and international issues between Ankara and Tokyo. Two countries have different approaches considering the problem of Syrian refugees and territorial disputes between Japan and China as well as disputes between Japan and South Korea. An active political dialogue between Turkey and Japan is a solid base for the development of efficient mutual trade and investment cooperation in the nearest future. It could be provided by the implementation of governmental long-termed strategies and projects. Authors come to the conclusion that mutual understanding in definite political issues and the vast complementary economic potential of the two countries are beneficial for both Turkey and Japan.
Key words: Turkish-Japanese relations, Japanese investment, Sinop nuclear station, Marmaray tunnel, strategic partnership.
Russia being a Euroasian state needs to take into account the geopolitical situation in the region. For the development of its Far Eastern areas it is necessary to establish close integration and cooperation with the Far Eastern countries and particularly with Japan which is one of centers of power. At the same time in order to provide its national security it is important to widen its coordination with the Middle Eastern countries, firstly with Turkey.
The analysis of emerging strategic partnership between Turkey and Japan, to our point of view, gives the possibility to coordinate Russian foreign policy with the other centers of power.
Currently we can distinguish trends of multipolar world order where besides the USA - the main Japanese strategic partner - there are other countries playing a significant role in the world's politics and economics. Japan faces the challenge of adapting to fast changing balance of power in the international relations.
* Inessa Ivanova. Doctor of Philosophy,History, Scientific Associate of the Institute of International Relations (MGIMO-University)
Olga Ledovskaya. Doctor of Philosophy,History, Scientific Associate of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
After AK Party came to power in Turkey in 2002 there have been seen new trends in Turkish foreign policy which can be characterized by three factors: awareness of a new Turkish role in world's politics; its ambition to normalize relations with the other countries and to strengthen its position in neighboring regions. Having announced the 'multi-vector principle' of its foreign policy Turkey intends to maintain diplomatic relations with global actors to construct a complementary system of international relations. The demand for activation of the Turkish-Japanese relations has been affected by the US. Thus, it is quite obvious that apart from geopolitical interests of the USA there is a mutual objective requirement for development of bilateral relations between Turkey and Japan.
Historical ties
Turkey and Japan have relations rooted in history. 2014 year was the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. After the Republic of Turkey was founded, on the 29th of October 1923, Japan established regular diplomatic relations with the country. In 2015 was the 125th anniversary of the disaster of the Ertugrul Frigate. In 1890 Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II sent a medal with the Frigate commanded by Osman Pasha to be delivered to Japanese Emperor Meiji. On the return trip the Ertugrul Frigate carrying the Turkish delegation on board was caught in a storm and sank off the Japanese coast. The crew originally consisted of 540 people. But just 69 of them were rescued.
As a result of these anniversaries many events were organized in cities across Turkey and Japan during 2014 and 2015.
Among the milestones of the Turkish-Japanese relations we can mention the proposal of Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister M. Terashima of establishing diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey in 1875; the decision to improve relations by signing the Japan-Ottoman Treaty of Friendship in 1893.
However, we can state that Turkish-Japanese relations were framed only in the early days of the Turkish Republic. The proof of this were the negotiations on the establishment of the Japan-Turkey Foreign Trade Association in 1925 and the opening of the Japanese Embassy in Istanbul and Turkish Embassy in Tokyo in 1925. The Japanese Trade Exhibition was opened in Istanbul in 1928 and lasted till 1937 thus starting bilateral trade relations. In October 1930 the first Japanese-Turkish Commerce and Navigation Treaty was signed the aim of which was to promote political relations.1
Since then the relations between the countries have been developing slowly and unevenly. The political, economic and cultural relations haven't reached the level that would correspond to the relevance of the both countries regarding that political relations fell behind economical in the global power struggle.
1 www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_turkey/japan-turkey relations. basic data.
Activation of bilateral relations
An important event was the visit to Japan of the Turkish Prime Minister T. Ozal in May 1985 the main aim of which was to intensify bilateral trade and Japanese investment.
Turkish political and business circles were mostly interested in
- increasing of bilateral trade which would provide Turkey with essential market opportunities and would extend the import of Japanese high quality goods;
- raising Japanese loans and direct investment, modern technology that would promote the economic development and enhance the production quality;
- establishing of joint ventures including those in third countries.
According to O. Olchmen, a board member of Association of Turkish contractors, "Turkish-Japanese joint companies based on Japanese technology and Turkish engineering abilities could succeed in doing business in countries of Middle East as well as countries of North Africa and later in America".2
According to "The Middle East Economic Digest" "Japan could have balanced the Turkish relations with European countries and the USA. That could let Turkey pursue an independent economic and trade policy."3 Japan supported the Turkish decision to enter EU. In the opinion of former Japanese ambassador to Turkey K. Vati, "The Turkish Republic is an important chain between Europe and Islamic countries and its participation in EU could be a symbol of peaceful coexistence of the West with Islamic world". Though, he added "Japan unfortunately is unable to hasten the process of Turkish admission to EU but it supports Ankara in this question".4
Economic cooperation
As for Japan's interests in cooperation with Turkey firstly we should mention economic and trade relations which are strengthened by geographical proximity of Turkey to Europe and Middle East markets. According to K. Vati, Turkey obtains a rising market and possibilities regarding its competent admission to EU in future as well as high level of economic and political relations with Islamic countries .5
However Japanese entrepreneurs highlighted some hardship obstacles which restrained the bilateral relations. That's why Tokyo had been cautious about making big investments in Turkey.
2 Milliet.27.11.1987.
3
The Middle East Economic Digest. 1 February 1984, p.24
4 Milliet.27.11.1988.
5 Ibidem.
One of the former Chiefs of Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) M. Mioshi summarized these obstacles. "Turkey is lacking its basic infrastructure - there are problems with energy, transport, communication. Its financial - credit system isn't flexible enough, rates of interest are excessive. In Turkey the main importance is attached to underdeveloped regions of the country, whereas Japanese companies prefer to invest in cities such as Istanbul and Izmir.6 According to his opinion, one more negative factor is the lengthy transportation by sea (45 days) of agricultural production that complicates its shipment. Attempts to implement it via the Soviet Union's territory have failed.7
Another factor affecting the Japanese investment in Turkey was political instability in the country caused by the complicated political process before the coup d'état in 1980. At the same time the stabilization period due to the political and economic reforms carried out be the Prime Minister of Turkey T. Ozal in late 80s- early 90s has become a significant factor contributing to the intensification of bilateral relations.
Another milestone in the relations between the two countries was the construction of a new bridge over Bosporus in Istanbul with the assistance of Japan. Its completion in 1988, in the opinion of Japanese political and business circles, "has become the realization of high-level Japanese technology as well as Turkish-Japanese friendship". The bridge "Fatikh" was constructed by the syndicate of Japanese, Italian and Turkish companies. Its' cost was $551 ml. The money was provided by Japanese banks at low interest rate. This bridge was constructed 6 months earlier than planned.8 The General Manager of the project M. Ueda emphasized the benefits of the construction. "Linking the two continents has relieved the transportation system of Istanbul and provided a bypass circle road for freight traffic between European and Asian parts which would contribute to further economic development of Turkey".9
Friendly relations between Japan and Turkey were demonstrated when Japan provided a large scale economic and technical aid after the earthquake in Turkey in 1999. The Japanese government sent several rescue teams; 500 prefab houses were rendered and within the aid program the Japanese government granted $1 ml 600 thousand which accounted for the purchase of medicine, medical equipment, tents and blankets.10
After signing in 2003 the Plan for development of bilateral relations, the year 2006 was announced as 'the year of Turkish culture' in Japan. The exchange of official visits of the Prime Minister of Japan Dz. Koizumi to Turkey and the Pres-
6 Milliyet. 27.11.1987.
7
' Turkish Daily News.21.11.1988.
8 Ibid,02 - 03.07.1988.
9 Turkish www Daily News.21.11.1988.
10.tr.emb-japan.go.jp/T.02/01html
ident of Turkey A. Gul to Japan in 2006 contributed to further development, firstly, of economic relations and particularly investment.
Japan is the 6th among major investors to Turkey11 and the 1st among Asian countries-investors.12 In 2014 Japanese investment to Turkey amounted to $1.4bl13 29 per cent of which falls on car production and 18 per cent -on finance.14 Since 1990 "Toyota Turkey" has been operating in the country -the leader in Turkish export and the largest company in Turkey. The company provides 20 per cent of car production in European countries and due to its production figures it took the 3rd place in Europe in 2015.15 At present apart from such giants as "Toyota", "Isuzu", "Honda" there are a lot of Japanese companies operating in energy and chemical industry.
Japanese companies have been presented in the Turkish market since 1970 in the following fields: bridge construction, developing of drinking water system in the capital Ankara, implementation of commuter trains.
Herewith we should acknowledge the 'one-way' tend of investment, e.g.-from the Japanese side. As far as investment from Turkey is regarded it is rather difficult to distinguish Turkish companies carrying out business projects in Japan. This is due to some objective reasons. In the opinion of a Turkish researcher of Strategic Center "Bilgesam "Y. Diril not only Turkey but other countries as well face limitations in investing in Japan. "Foreign companies aiming to enter the Japanese market should follow the rules of the Japanese structure of business and account such points as the cost of labor force, taxes etc."16 According to "Bilgesam" Turkish companies are represented in Japan in restaurant business, souvenirs sale, carpet sales and cleaning".17
The trade volume between the countries stood at $3.6 billion in 201518 mostly in favor of Japan. Turkey's exports include fish, pasta, tobacco and knit goods and its imports - automobiles, automobile parts, steel plates and construction equipment, such as bulldozers, diggers and excavators. The economic relations mainly rely on Japanese exports to Turkey. However Turkey's exports to Japan have risen from $234 million to $375 million in the last ten years, making a 60 per cent increase.19 Such a low level of trade volume has always
11 JETRO Global Trade and Investment Report 2014. Available at: http://jetrogo.jp/en/reports/white_paper
12
www.ey.com/GL/en/Newsroom/News-releases/News/Foriegn-investment-in-turkey-doubles-in-last-five-years
13
asialawportal.com/2014/11/27/japan-andturkey-seizing-the-potential-for-growth
www.ey.com/GL/en/Newsroom/News-releases/NewsForeign-investment-in-turkey-doubles-
in-last-five-years
15 http://www.trdefence.com/?p=3176
16 www.bilgesam.org/incele/88turkie-japonia-ilskeleri
17
www.bilgesam.org/incele/88turkie-japonia-ilskileri
18 www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/turkey/index.html
19 http://dippost.com/2015/10/07/turkey-eyes-trade-boost-as-erdogan-heads-to-japan/
been a matter of concern of two countries as it doesn't reflect their real potential. That's why both countries consider the future conclusion of the Agreement on economic cooperation between Turkey and Japan a forwarding step in laying the groundwork for mutually beneficial trade relations as well as reducing the misbalance of bilateral trade20.
Japan has very strict requirements concerning import from the other countries in comparison with Turkey. As Turkish specialists point out, "In order to export to Japan apples they should be of excellent quality in the sense of taste, flavor, external appearance and packaging".21 Besides, Japan prefers to import goods from the neighboring countries such as China and from ASEAN countries. Moreover, Turkish exporters consider going through the procedure of standardization, certification and labeling rather unprofitable. One of the main problems is the product inspection of agricultural goods before importing them into the country from the point of view of using chemicals. Apart from special quotas for articles of food Japanese customs runs strict control of imported goods. As Y. Diril points out, "in case of any defective fruit the whole consignment is rejected. 25 per cent of the population in Japan are elderly people who tend to lead a healthy style of life, so they required condition for importing food as healthy nourishment".22
In opinion of Y. Diril ," in doing business with the Japanese the problems of trust and patience are of great importance. Unless your Japanese partners trust you and are convinced in the high quality of the product you can't implement even the most attractive business project".23 Turkish companies are more peculiar about so called 'light' attitude when you get to know your partner through trade and only after that build trust.
However at present Japan has changed its attitude to foreign investment and has undertaken some incentives for stimulation and simplification of foreign investors' activity. In particular it has been reflected in liberalization of importing of grapefruits and hazelnuts from Turkey. But still we can't expect fast changes in the Turkish investors' activity in Japan.
In this sense it is suggested that Japan may benefit from the advantages of Turkey. It may penetrate the markets of the Middle East where Turkey is playing a key role.24 The web-site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan pays great attention to Turkey emphasizing its role in Japan's efforts in attainment of its interests in the Middle East.25
20
dippost.com/2014/011/07/turkish-japanese-trade-volume-not-enough-turkish-pm/
21
www.bilgesam.org/incele/88turkiye-japonia-iliskeleri Ibidem.
23 Ibidem.
24
Katakura K. Japan and the Middle East: towards a more positive role. Available at: http://books.google.ru/books?id=&3VaYSE6XAC&pg=PAZ7&dq=K.Katakura.+Japan+and + yje | middle+east+towards+a+more+positive+role
www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/turkey/index.html
Mutual projects in the third countries
Cooperation between Turkey and Japan is not limited to Turkey and Japan. Mutual projects in the third countries, especially in the Central Asian countries, is a new form of cooperation between the countries. For example, Turkmenistan has become of great interest to Japan as it obtains a great advantage - the presence of Turkish stratum that could promote Japanese status in the Central Asia. An additional factor is the fact that most of the Turks living in Turkmenistan have dual citizenship.
Turkey in its turn supports Japan's influence in Turkmenistan by implementing business projects as well as lobbying Japan's activity in the country mainly with Turkish enterprises. Turkish contractors take part in largescale projects which are financed by Japanese companies. For example, a Turkish company "Chalik" constructing the largest in the Central Asia cotton plant is providing intermediary services in provision of Japan's equipment and components for the cotton processing.26
In 2014 the Japanese-Turkish syndicate including the Japan's "Kawasaki Heavy Industries" and Turkey's "Ronesans Turkmen" started constructing gas-chemical plant in Ovandep near Ashgabat. Its significance is related to the fact that the economics of Turkmenistan which depends largely on gas export (which is limited by the abilities of pipelines in the country) will acquire a plant processing 1.785 bl. cubic meters of gas annually and produce 600 thousand tons of high quality gasoline A-92 under the standard Euro-5.27
In 2005 Japan's-Turkey's consortium "Dubai Rapid Link (DURL) with the Japanese "Mitsubishi", "Obayashi "and "Kajima" and Turkey's "Yapi Merkezi" won the tender for constructing Dubai underground amounting $3.2 billion28. Dubai underground is conducted automatically from the unitary dispatch center and after construction has become the longest underground system in the world.29
Turkey and Japan may cooperate in investing in the infrastructure and energy of the Middle East, Africa and Europe via Turkey.
Achieving strategic partnership
Positive changes in bilateral political relations were furthered by increased number of high-level visits over the last years. In 2013 two prime ministerial visits were made from Japan to Turkey. During his May 2013 meeting in Turkey, Japanese Prime Minister Sh. Abe joined a signing ceremony to entrust the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant, which was won by the Japanese "Mitsubishi" and
26 http://www.jbic.go.jp/en/about/press/2009/0319-01/index.html
27
http://www/e-plastic.ru/news/nachalos-stroitelstvo-novogo-turkmeno-yapono-tureckogo=gkhk_9230.html
28 www.votpusk.ru/news.asp ?msg=72580
29 Ibidem.
French "Areva Consortium". Abe's second visit, on the 29th of October 2013, was at the opening ceremony of Marmaray, which connects Asia to Europe under the Bosporus with a Japanese-built rail system.
The contractor of this large -scale project was the consortium "TGN", including the Japan's "Tansei" and Turkey's "Nurol" and "Gama". The project accounted for $4.5 bl. The substantial part of it was provided by Japan Bank for International Cooperation- JBIC30. In the opinion of J.Burkshir Miller, an American researcher, "the Marmaray tunnel project in Istanbul is an example of Japan's emphasis on using soft power in the Middle East to complement its increased role in international security issues (such as its the antipiracy mission in the Gulf of Aden)"31.
In May 2013 during the visit of Sh. Abe to Turkey 'A Joint Declaration On The Establishment Of Strategic Partnership Between Japan And The Republic Of Turkey' was signed thus " upgrading the level of cooperation to mutually beneficial strategic partnership to promote common interests of both countries through bilateral and multilateral cooperation"32.
The main provisions of the Declaration affirmed regular meetings between The Prime Ministers, periodic meetings between Ministries of Foreign Affairs as well as consultations at the level of Vice-Ministries and other senior officials.
Both countries welcomed the progress in cooperation, where Japanese companies are playing a prominent role through such projects as the Marmaray Rail Tube Crossing Project and the Izmit Bay Bridge Construction Project, the construction of the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant according to the "Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Turkey for Cooperation in the Use of Nuclear Energy for peaceful purposes" and the" Agreement on Cooperation for Development of Nuclear Power Plants and the Nuclear Power Industry in the Republic of Turkey"33.
During the visit of the Prime Minister of Turkey R. Erdogan to Japan in January 2014 the formal items for Japan's export of nuclear reactors were negotiated. At present geodesic and seismic research has started at the construction site of the Sinop Plant.
At this visit both countries decided to found the Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University in Istanbul which is expected to train students with not only Turkish and Japanese languages, but also their culture. Thus, they intend to develop personnel who can work in Turkish-Japanese companies.
Economic cooperation is expected to continue in the area of aerospace industry, aviation and defense industry. The launch of Japanese-made satellite "Tursat 4A" from the space station Baikonur amplified Turkey's communication
30 Asahi simbun. 30.10.2013.
31
Miller Berkshire J. Japan's Strategic Push with Turkey//The Diplomat.18.03.2014.
32
www.mofa.go.jp/files/000004160.pdf
33 Ibid
abilities for broadcasting along the perimeter of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa34.
According to the Declaration on Strategic Partnership both countries agreed on cooperation in defense industry. Japanese company "Mitsubishi" is planning to construct a joint venture for production of tanks' engines that will fully remove the limitations existing in Japan towards arms export. Turkey's Minister of National Defense I. Yilmaz in his interview to the Japanese "Nihon Keizai" characterized the prospects of Turkish-Japanese defense cooperation in the following words: "We are framing with "Mitsubishi "a special group for producing engines for tanks and components and are planning the production of new generation of tanks "Altay"35. In future Turkey is going to start with Japanese companies the production of new engines for helicopters, drones and infrared sensors as well as energy sets for submarines and ships36.
The largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and the 15th in the world "Takeda" has started sales and marketing activities in Turkey, which they see as a key developing market. What attracts the company to Turkey is that the medical sector is growing quickly, making Turkey a fast-growing European market as the European market has been saturated37.
"Maekawa Inc., "which has six cooling system factories across the world, decided to shut down its Belgium factory and re-open it in Turkey.
Turkey and Japan agreed on shooting the movie about the tragedy of Ertugrul, about the aid and sympathy which was imposed by the Japanese government to rescued crew as well as about the relations following this event. In December 2014 the film "Shipwreck-1890", the shooting of which was sponsored by Turkish airlines, started demonstrating in 309 cinemas in Japan and 300 cinemas in Turkey.
In order to further their trade relations, Tukey and Japan started talks about Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2014. Because of Turkey's membership in the European Union's Customs Union, it cannot independently sign FTAs with third countries. Turkey can sign FTAs with third countries of the EU only if EU has signed them. Negotiations on a FTA between Japan and EU started in 2013 but still remain unsolved. Ankara and Tokyo are planning to hold negotiations on the problem parallel to those of the EU - Japan FTA. Japan may benefit from FTA with Turkey as it can enter the markets of the Caucasus, the Middle East, Africa and Europe via Turkey and also make use of the young Turkish labor force as it can't enter into these markets.
T. Matsushita, the deputy minister of economy, trade and industry of Japan, said "a free trade agreement 'absolutely' must be signed between the two coun-
34www.zaman.com.tr/sonm-haberler-turcat-4a-tv-kanalarinin-yeni-frekanslari-2245053.html
35
www.sanyigazetesi.comtr/savunma 30.12.2013.
36 www.dunya.com/guncel/2014-de-japon-yili-olmaya-aday-214268.html
37
http://www/trdefence.com/?p=3176/is-a-turkish-japanese-trade-agreement-imminent
tries to strengthen bilateral relations".38 He stated that groundwork must be done to finalize it. He also added that Japan needed the young population that Turkey had. In his words, "two countries can join forces and connect the world, he recalled that geographical distance today has the ability, as in did in the past, to interconnect the nations through trade.39
Speaking about the future of Turkey-Japanese relations the PM of Japan Sh. Abe has pointed out that "Japan desires to establish a win-win relationship that will lead both countries to success by supporting Japanese firms' (landing contracts) abroad."40 The idea, uttered by Nippon Keidanren Japan-Turkey Joint Economic Committee Chairman S. Umeda, that "we see Turkey as a stepping stone"41 came to the fore.
The limits of political affiliation
Although bilateral political and economic cooperation have huge potential for growth there are some limitations on cooperation on regional and international issues between Ankara and Tokyo. During Prime Minister Erdogan's visit to Japan, problems in the Middle East such as Syria and Egypt were the main topics of conversation. The Turkish government expected that Tokyo would be able to support Ankara concerning its Middle East policy, its attitude towards security issues and towards its position in regard with Syria, in particular. Some experts suggest that Japan is acting in coordination with the USA and is tending to abide by 'the concert of powers' and is carrying out humanitarian actions regarding Syrian rebels.42
Though Tokyo seeks for a more prominent role in international affairs in the Middle East region it traditionally follows the USA policy in the international security issues and will not deviate from this strategy. In this situation, Turkey and Japan agreed to cooperate in the Middle East according to the policies of the United States and NATO. Japan can only support Turkey to help it overcome the Syrian refugee crisis.43
There are some difficult issues in Turkish-Japanese common approach in East Asia. Turkey has well- developed political and economic relations with China and South Korea. That's why Ankara chose to be neutral in the dispute between Tokyo and Beijing regarding the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands located in East China sea and stay far away from tensions between China and Japan. The Dokdo/Takeshima island between Japan and South Korea as well as the Sea of Japan/ East Sea denomination create problems among them. Although
38 http://news.vail.ru/politics/16383841/
39 Ibidem.
40 Asahi Simbun 28.10.2013
41 http://www.trdefence/com/?p=3176
42
42 vz.ru/world/2013/6/11/636650.html
43 www.turkishweekly.net/2014/01/13/comment/golden-year-of-turkish-japanese-relations/
these maritime disputes seem less sensitive than the Japan-China issues, Tokyo and Seoul still haven't resolved them. Turkey has deep-rooted relations with South Korea and has always chosen to remain neutral in these disputes.
In November 2015 after the crash of Russian airplane by the Turkish air forces, the Japanese government came to neutral position, suggesting that" Russia and Tukey should manifest composure"44. According to the General secretary of the Japanese government Y. Suga "Japan is tracking the situation and looking for all the countries to cooperate against terrorism45". Later in August 2016 Japan "highly appreciated the rapprochement between Russia and Turkey" underlining "its great significance46". Herewith, Japan pointed out to the "intermediary role of Turkey between the West and Russia47".
The relations between Turkey and Japan have objective potential for development on mutually beneficial basis. First of all, it concerns the economic, scientific and technical cooperation which has recently intensified.
When we analyze the present condition of bilateral relations the main question we should answer is what is their role in Asia and in the world politics, do they represent a stable factor of international relations, what is their influence on the situation in the region. Both countries have great influence on regional and international affairs, both of them have become major supporters of the post-war system of alliances constructed by the USA. According to the magazine "National Review" "the options of Tukey and Japan will mean a great deal to the US which could face difficulties in maintaining its influence in the Middle East in case of lacking close working relations with both of them48".
In this sense we can point out that mutual understanding on even small issues regarding Asia and other regions, their willingness to find common meeting-ground for political dialogue are very important and useful for easing tension in Asia. The trend for intencifying of Turkish-Japanese relations seems rather stable in future and it will bear considerable fruit to both countries.
44 Asahi simbun. 23.11.2015
45 Nihon Keizai.11.08.016.
46 Ididem.
47 Ibidem.
48 National Review.05.10.2010.
