Turkey was the first state to recognize independence of the Republic of Belarus (December 16, 1991). Despite serious difference in cultural and religious traditions, significant geographical distance, Belarusian-Turkish relations developed along an ascending line. In the first years of establishment of diplomatic relations both sides were studying each other and looking for mutually beneficial spheres of cooperation. The starting point of the second stage of bilateral relations may be considered to be the first in the history of Belarusian-Turkish relations official visit of the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, to Turkey in July 1996. The main outcome of the visit was the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Turkey (the treaty was signed in Ankara on July 24, 1996). This fully affected the relations with Turkey. The relations between the two countries in the new millennium were beneficially different from the ones of the previous decade. Belarusian-Turkish dialog between governments, parliaments and foreign ministries has become more intensive and has been characterized as smooth and friendly.
