Istanbul, May 24, 2025 — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on May 23, 2025, at the Dolmabahçe Working Office in Istanbul for a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing pressing regional and global issues. The closed-door discussions, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, covered a wide range of topics, including trade, defense cooperation, the Gaza crisis, and Turkey’s mediation efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting, marked by a ceremonial reception, underscored the deepening partnership between Turkey and Spain, two NATO allies with shared interests in regional stability and economic collaboration.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The meeting highlighted the robust economic and strategic partnership between Turkey and Spain, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to elevating bilateral trade. In 2024, the trade volume between the two nations reached approximately $20 billion, and Erdoğan emphasized the shared goal of increasing this to $25 billion in the coming years. Key sectors identified for enhanced cooperation included defense, transportation, and technology. Turkey and Spain have a history of collaboration in defense, notably through agreements involving Spanish shipbuilder Navantia and Turkish shipyards, which have bolstered joint naval projects.
Erdoğan also reiterated Turkey’s determination to advance its European Union (EU) membership bid, calling on Spain to support Ankara’s aspirations. “Turkey remains committed to its EU path, but we expect constructive steps from our European partners,” Erdoğan reportedly told Sánchez, according to sources cited by Turkey’s Communications Directorate. Spain, a long-standing supporter of Turkey’s EU candidacy, expressed willingness to facilitate dialogue, though Sánchez stopped short of making specific commitments due to the broader EU’s complex stance on Turkey’s membership.
Gaza Crisis: A Shared Priority
A significant portion of the discussions focused on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s military operations have drawn international condemnation. Erdoğan praised Spain’s “honest and courageous” stance, particularly its decision in 2024 to formally recognize the State of Palestine, making it one of the first Western European nations to do so. Sánchez’s government has been vocal in criticizing Israel’s actions, with the Spanish Prime Minister previously describing Israel’s Gaza campaign as a “genocide” in a parliamentary address. This position aligns closely with Turkey’s advocacy for Palestinian rights, and Erdoğan lauded Sánchez for demonstrating “one of the most principled stances in the West.”
Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, where over 52,900 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities. Erdoğan underscored Turkey’s priority of ensuring uninterrupted aid delivery and called for a collective effort to end the “atrocities” in the region. Sánchez, attending the Socialist International meeting hosted by Turkey’s CHP in Istanbul, reiterated Spain’s support for a UN-backed ceasefire and a two-state solution. The leaders reportedly explored ways to coordinate humanitarian initiatives, with Turkey leveraging its regional influence to facilitate aid corridors.
Russia-Ukraine War: Turkey’s Mediation Role
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year, was another key agenda item. Erdoğan highlighted Turkey’s ongoing mediation efforts, pointing to the successful prisoner exchange on May 23, 2025, where 270 soldiers and 120 civilians from each side were swapped following talks in Istanbul on May 16. “Turkey is committed to fostering peace between Russia and Ukraine,” Erdoğan said, warning that the “window of opportunity” for a resolution must not be squandered. The exchange, one of the largest of the war, is part of a broader 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap deal, with further exchanges expected.
Sánchez expressed support for Turkey’s diplomatic role, noting Spain’s alignment with NATO’s stance on supporting Ukraine while seeking pathways to de-escalation. The leaders also discussed the broader implications of the conflict, including energy security and economic disruptions affecting Europe and beyond. Turkey’s strategic position as a mediator was seen as a complement to Spain’s advocacy for multilateral solutions within the EU framework.
Regional and Global Issues
The talks also touched on regional stability, NATO cooperation, and global economic challenges. Erdoğan and Sánchez reaffirmed their commitment to counterterrorism, with Turkey emphasizing its fight against groups like ISIS and the PKK, while Spain highlighted its efforts against extremism in the Mediterranean. The leaders explored ways to deepen NATO collaboration, particularly in joint security missions.
The meeting occurred against the backdrop of heightened Middle Eastern tensions, particularly following the Houthi missile strike on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, 2025, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps’ warning on May 24 of a forceful response to any Israeli aggression. Erdoğan reportedly briefed Sánchez on Turkey’s regional diplomacy, including its efforts to balance relations with Iran, Israel, and Arab states while advocating for Palestinian rights.
Sánchez’s Visit in Context
Sánchez’s trip to Istanbul was partly tied to his participation in the Socialist International meeting, hosted by Turkey’s main opposition party, CHP. The meeting focused heavily on the Gaza crisis, with Sánchez reiterating Spain’s call for an immediate ceasefire and international accountability for Israel’s actions. His visit to Turkey, a key regional player, underscores Spain’s strategy to align with non-Western powers on issues like Palestine, even as it navigates its EU and NATO commitments.
The Dolmabahçe meeting also reflects Turkey’s growing diplomatic clout under Erdoğan, who has positioned Ankara as a mediator in global conflicts and a bridge between East and West. The choice of the Dolmabahçe Working Office, a historic venue for high-level diplomacy, added symbolic weight to the discussions.
