Why Türkiye is betting big on Latin America – and winning

By Melike Hocaoglu

When Turkish Airlines launched its new direct route from Istanbul to Santiago in December 2024, it wasn’t just about adding another destination to its network—it was a statement. Türkiye’s presence in Latin America is no longer a quiet diplomatic effort; it’s a full-fledged commitment to deepening ties across trade, technology, and culture.

Once a distant diplomatic outpost, Latin America has become a focal point in Türkiye’s foreign policy. In just two decades, Ankara has evolved from a marginal presence to an influential partner across the region.

The number of Turkish embassies in Latin America has tripled, rising from six to 19, with the latest opening this month in Nicaragua. And trade between Türkiye and Latin America has surged from $1 billion in the early 2000s to $18 billion today.

These figures represent more than just economic growth—they mark a shift in the geopolitical landscape, where Latin American countries are actively diversifying their alliances beyond traditional partners like the US and Europe.

While Washington has historically dominated foreign policy in Latin America, today, countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are increasingly looking eastward. Motivated by a desire to reduce dependency on the US—especially following the Trump administration’s introduction of trade tariffs—many Latin American nations are seeking alternative partnerships. US foreign policy has long overlooked Latin American priorities, creating space for new players to step in.

Enter Türkiye, which is positioning itself as a connector between continents. With Ankara’s active diplomatic outreach and investment initiatives, Latin American countries are finding new opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as defence, technology, and cultural exchange.