Turkey's NATO membership does not mean the country must be engaged in confrontation with Russia, Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu said.

Speaking about situation over Crimea, Foreign Minister said Turkey does not recognize the referendum, adding that this can provoke regional instability, Sabah reported.

As to relations with Russia, NATO membership does not mean Turkey must be engaged in confrontation with Russia.

“The balance must be preserved in Ukraine,too,” he said.