Sweden’s cooperation with Turkey began in 1992 on a low level and currently accounts for about SEK 45 million per year, of which we handle about SEK 30 million. Sweden’s Consulate General in Istanbul is responsible for the remainder. Our target is to:
- improve the continued democratization process and respect for human rights, as well as to contribute to the establishment of European common value systems and a culture of cooperation in Turkey.
Our support is focused on improving rights for women, minority groups and disabled people. Particular prioritization is given to poor people in southeast Turkey, where the Kurds mainly live. About 60 per cent of our support in recent years has concerned support for human rights.
One important cooperational project is being done through the Raul Wallenberg Institute, which works against discrimination and violence towards women and for the rights of disabled people.
Many interfaces
To create interfaces between Turks and Swedes, we are encouraging various types of cooperation with the participation of Swedish authorities, organizations, popular movements, municipalities and businesses.
The Turkey Programme also includes various exchanges between cultural and academic institutions. The Swedish Trade Council is focusing on promoting Swedish trade and industry and Swedish companies.
Some of the cooperation between authorities is financed through the EU. For example, the Swedish National Courts Administration and the Swedish Maritime Administration have participated in such forms of cooperation. Several twin-town projects have been started between Swedish and Turkish municipalities, co-ordinated by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKL). The support contributes to greater local autonomy and democratic ways of working in Turkey.
We are also providing contributions to Swedish non-governmental organizations that implement co-operational projects, which are mainly carried out by The Olof Palme International Center.
Cultural exchanges
The Consulate General of Sweden’s section for cooperation between Turkey and Sweden promotes contacts through cultural and academic exchange programmes, in which the Swedish Institute is among the participants. The different programmes are aimed at promoting Turkey’s strive towards EU membership; for example by increasing the mutual understanding of traditions, religion, culture and for equality and other areas.
Book tips
- Orhan Pamuk, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006, describes Turkish society in his novels, which include Snow, Istanbul: Memories of a City, and The Black Book.
