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| Deeply rooted differences with Moscow and Washington. |
President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan and Russia's Vladimir Putin at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey, April 3, 2018. (Courtesy of the Presidency)
Many are expecting a significant change in Turkey's foreign policy after the Brussels summit. Turkey is likely to highlight possible areas of co-operation at the summit, even if no progress has been made on fundamental issues with the United States and Russia. Turkey will focus on the positive aspects of its extensive and historic relations with both countries in order to overcome the areas of disagreement in the political arena. It will use segregation to focus on potential areas of cooperation with foreign policy, the economy, tourism, trade, energy and the defense industry to overcome challenges and conflicts.
This was confirmed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statements, especially after the NATO summit in Brussels. Erdoانan said after the last cabinet meeting on Monday, "By strengthening our dialogue channels with the United States at all levels, we can promote a positive atmosphere in the meeting with US President Joe Biden for the benefit of both countries." Are committed to increase.
Erdogan also answered questions from journalists in Azerbaijan, where he went to celebrate the victory in Shousha. Erdoانan, who discussed the NATO summit and bilateral meetings with world leaders, especially Biden, said he would soon hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It is clear that after the NATO summit in Brussels on June 14, Ankara sees its relations with Moscow as based on areas of cooperation, as it does with Washington, rather than highlighting differences. This method is not new but it can be felt strongly after recent developments.
In fact, although the relative pressure on the S-400 and F-35s has eased somewhat since the Brussels meeting between Ankara and Washington, it is still unclear if the US YPG / PK terrorist group I will change my attitude.
Despite all this, Ankara, which maintains an uncontroversial stance on both the S-400 and the PKK / YPG, gives Washington the opportunity to change its policies and focus on Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Eastern Mediterranean, Adopt a multilateral approach to the Caucasus and a solution. the evening.
Like Washington, Ankara, which prefers to pursue a positive agenda with Moscow in areas of disagreement, seeks Russia's positive contribution to the regional peace and security process, especially in the wake of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Thinks important in geopolitics. Erdoانan also said that separate talks with Putin were important for the development and expansion of the Shosha Declaration announced by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on June 15.
Erdogan said that Turkey attaches great importance to the Karabakh Zanzibar corridor connecting the two countries, adding that this corridor will provide many opportunities throughout the region. He also stressed that so far, he does not believe that there is any disagreement in the opinion of the Russian side or that there is any intention to delay the work, on the contrary, he added that it seems That Russia has a supportive approach in this matter.
"I think if they have positive support for this platform, it will soon be peaceful in the region. Of course, this route will provide great opportunities for Azerbaijan. Similarly, it will bring huge benefits to Armenia. Russia also has a positive view on this issue because it is an important corridor, an important line. I hope that this will also add a lot of serious wealth to agriculture in the region. In other words, we think this place will be an agricultural corridor.
On the other hand, Russia's behavior is being closely monitored by Ankara when it comes to developments in Afghanistan. Moscow's stance on Turkey's move to ensure security at Kabul airport is worrying. A US delegation arrived in Ankara on Thursday to discuss the logical, economic and security details provided by Washington to ensure airport security. "We are committed to the security and well-being of the Afghan people and our Afghan brothers and sisters," Defense Minister Holosi Aker said Wednesday.
In an exclusive interview with Sabah, Afghan Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar also noted that Turkey's presence in Afghanistan has been welcomed by both the Afghan people and the government. Atmar said he appreciated Ankara's efforts and co-operation, and would ensure the safety of the current diplomatic community operating and protecting Kabul Airport after the withdrawal of US troops from the country.
Atmar called the Afghan government a "full supporter" of Turkey's presence at Kabul airport, saying "Turkey has once again expressed its brotherly feelings about Afghanistan."
Another country, which has fraternal relations with Turkey, also issued statements on the issue. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said possible cooperation with Turkey in Afghanistan would be discussed after the US withdrawal from the country. Talking to Sabah on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Qureshi said he would meet Foreign Minister Melut Shivavalo.
Although Russia and Turkey have differing views on Syria, Libya and Ukraine, the two countries have agreed to sign cooperation and agreements to establish peace and security in the disputed areas while maintaining relations within the framework of mutual interests and respect. Can find areas for As NATO's second-largest power, Turkey is an actor who prioritizes mutual interests and regional interests, seeks no conflicts and is not interested in becoming a threat to Russia.
In the coming period, both Ankara, Washington and Moscow offer a window of opportunity to work on differences, based on a minimum understanding of geopolitical benefits and relations. The two countries should review Turkey's constructive role in the region and the usefulness of its offer.
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