ISTANBUL (AA) - Although Turkey's relations with regional countries are going through difficult times, a recent perceptions survey in the Middle East and Northern Africa showed that countries in these regions still saw Turkey as a role model and looks at Ankara favorably.
The Istanbul-based think-tank Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) on Tuesday released the results of its survey titled "Perceptions about Turkey in the Middle East," conducted on 2,800 people in 16 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa between 15 August-15 September 2013.
Fifty-one percent said that they see Turkey as a role model. Those who stated that the country is a role model put economy as the number one reason.
Turkey’s democratic regime and its secular structure came in second. Lebanese and Syrian people put Turkey’s democratic regime as a reason while Saudi Arabia sees Turkey as an economically advanced country.
In response to a question whether they look at Turkey favorably, 59 percent of participants responded positively. While the rates in Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Tunis, Yemen and Libya are above 70 percent, it is 67 percent in Iraq and 69 percent in Iran. When asked whether Turkish government have friendly approach to their countries, 60 percent responded positively while 38 percent said no. Sixty percent think Turkey approached their government friendly while 38 percent believe the otherwise.
When asked about Israel-Arabian conflict, sixty-one of participants believe Turkey should play a mediating role. The finding also shows that Middle Eastern and North African countries support Turkey’s accession negotiations with European Union. Support among Libyans reaches 62 percent while it is 60 percent among Tunisian and Palestinian people.
Solution process in Turkey has drawn interest from regional countries. Thirty-one percent of participants said they are aware of solution process and eighty-five percent of them back that process.
In general, the United Arab Emirates (67%) is perceived the most positive country among participants. China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey follow UAE. Regional countries see Turkey and Saudi Arabia political heavyweight while Iran is perceived as military force.
Participants believe that economy is the biggest problem in the region. Six percent names Syria while four percent put Israeli-Arab conflict as the biggest problem.
