Türkiye is a key partner for Australia.

Bilateral relations

Türkiye and Australia have a productive, warm and developing relationship, with substantial dialogue across a wide range of issues including counter-terrorism.

Australia and Türkiye are both members of the G20 and the MIKTA (Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Türkiye and Australia) forum, an informal grouping that addresses diverse international challenges. Our relations are underpinned by strong people-to-people links and annual high-level visits.

Foreign policy

Türkiye is a sophisticated foreign policy actor, and in recent years has been a major player in neighbouring Iraq and Syria in fighting the threat posed by Islamic State and other terrorist groups. Türkiye is currently hosting almost 4 million refugees fleeing the conflict on its southern borders. It has significant economic, security and cultural links with Europe, as a member of the NATO alliance and as a candidate state for EU membership. Australia and Türkiye work closely together in Afghanistan on the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission to help build security capacity in the country. For more information, see the Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Australia's foreign policy is guided by the Foreign Policy White Paper.

Fast facts

• Turkish visitors to Australia (2018) – 8,400
• Australian visitors to Türkiye (2018) – 33,900
• Resident Australian population born in Türkiye (2016 census) – 32,000
• Australian residents of Turkish descent (2016 census) – 73,000
• Turkish work and holiday (2017-18) – 115
• Turkish students in Australia (2018) – 1,937

High level engagement

• 2018 – Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Peter Dutton MP visited Türkiye for the Anzac Day commemorations
• 2017 – Then-Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, visited Türkiye for the Anzac Day commemorations. Then-President of the Senate, Stephen Parry visited Türkiye
• 2016 – Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, Ismail Kahraman, visited Australia

Agreements with Türkiye

• Extradition Treaty
• Work and Holiday Visa Arrangement
• Defence Framework Agreement
• MOU on counter-terrorism and organised crime
• Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement
• Air Services Agreement
• Double Taxation Agreement

Public diplomacy

The Australian Embassy in Ankara manages a public diplomacy program focusing on promoting Australian business and trade, and strengthening people-to-people links. In recent years, activities have focussed on the major contribution Turkish migrants have made to Australia. In 2018, the Embassy celebrated the 50th anniversary of formal bilateral relations.

Through the Direct Aid Program, Australia uses small grants to work with local communities in Türkiye to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. In 2018-19, there was a strong emphasis on women's empowerment, education and livelihoods programs for Syrian refugees, with a focus on provincial areas.

Australian Embassy in Ankara

Uĝur Mumcu Caddesi
No: 88, 7th Floor Gaziosmanpaşa
Ankara 06700
Facebook: Australia in Türkiye
Twitter: @AusAmbTürkiye

Australian Consulate in Istanbul

Harbiye Mahallesi, Asker Ocağı Cad
Süzer Plaza No:15,
34357 Şişli/Beşiktaş/İstanbul

Australian Consulate in Çanakkale

Boğazkent Mahallesi,
Pınar Sk. No:225
17110 Kepez Belediyesi/Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale
Twitter: @AusConCanakkale

Economic diplomacy

The Australian Embassy in Ankara and Consulates in Istanbul and Çanakkale drive Australia's economic diplomacy agenda with assistance from Austrade's Istanbul Office.

Türkiye was Australia's 30th largest merchandise trading partner in 2017-18. Goods trade dominates the relationship, especially Australian exports in gold, cotton and coal. The main imports from Türkiye were goods vehicles, and fruit and nuts. Investment flows heavily towards Türkiye with Australian companies investing in infrastructure, mineral exploration, construction and agri-business. Developing awareness of respective trade and investment opportunities in Türkiye and Australia is a priority.

More economic and trade information can be found in the Türkiye country/ economic fact sheet.

Business

Mining is a growing sector in Türkiye and there is potential for increased exports in Australian mine technology and services. Education is another area of potential growth.

Austrade's Istanbul Office aims to attract foreign direct investment into Australia, and promotes the Australian education sector.

Austrade in the Türkiye