Ireland-Turkey Relations
Diplomatic relations between the two republics of Ireland and Turkey were established in 1972. Ireland's Embassy in Ankara was opened in 1998. Turkey has had an Embassy in Dublin since 1973.
Relations between Turkey and Ireland are very strong. Irish visitors to Turkey number approximately 120,000 annually. There is a keen interest in Irish culture, particularly amongst academics.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina recently visited Turkey on the occasion of the 100th centenary of the Canakkale Land and Sea Battles. The President was accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D. There have been two Enterprise Ireland led Trade Missions since the establishment of the Enterprise Ireland office in Istanbul.
The Irish Community living and working in Turkey continues to grow and includes business people, English language teachers, students on university exchanges and Irish people who have chosen to make Turkey their permanent home.