Turkey and Russia are developed powerful countries, which possess high potential for developing cooperation, Turkish Ambassador to Russia Ümit Yardım told Interfax, responding to the question on how he assesses the Turkish-Russian relations, and whether it is possible to speak about their deterioration in light of the recent statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish MFA, who condemned Russian President’s speech in Yerevan.
According to Ümit Yardım, the Turkish-Russian relations have deep historical roots and are currently developing on a stable ground. “We consider the Turkish-Russian relations in a long-term perspective, as dictated by the conditions prevailing in the international relations. The Turkish-Russian relations are a guarantee of stability not only at the level of the region, but also globally. We see the strengthening of our relations recently and are sure that their development will continue. I’d like to notice that the potential of the interaction between Turkey and Russia is great, but the development of solely political, trade and economic relations is not enough; they should be consolidated through culture, sports and media,” the Ambassador said.
Yardım also said that in certain aspects Turkey and Russia hold to different viewpoints. “This is the case for now, and this will happen in the future as well, but we discuss the disputable questions quite freely and calmly. The dialogue between Russia and Turkey is constantly underway, including in the sphere of diplomatic agencies.”
As to the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Armenia’s capital Yerevan, the Ambassador declined to comment the event, ‘since presidents discuss such issues between themselves.’
“We are sure that the stable Russian-Turkish relations are an important aspect of stability in the Eastern Europe and Middle East,” he said.
Referring to the obstacles in the Turkish-Russian relations, Ümit Yardım said: “Unfortunately, there are circles, which aren’t interested in the development of our relations. For instance, several Armenian circles in Russia and abroad hold to a different viewpoint; they do not contribute to the development of our bilateral relations. Moreover, I can say that they negatively impact that process. Apparently, we do not say that an open subversive activity is being carried out against the Turkish-Russian relations. However, different actions are held, which aim to harm our relations, but we hope this will not impact the course and dynamics thereof. It’s not quite just, when a third part is trying to cast shadow on our bilateral relations. However, we’ll always be happy if the Russian side contributes to the settlement of arguable questions between Armenia and Turkey. We will develop our relations with Turkey enthusiastically and as quickly as possible. Both the Russian and Turkish representatives believe in our cooperative future.”
Reponding to the question on the cancellation of the Joint Strategic Planning Group meeting between Turkey’s and Russia’s MFAs, scheduled on May 16 in Antalya, the Ambassador said: “The cancellation of the Joint Strategic Planning Group meeting is connected with neither the Russian president’s visit to Yerevan, nor with altercations. It has to do with Turkey’s upcoming parliamentary elections. Besides, Turkey’s FM Mevlut Cavusoglu has certain responsibilities: he is not only a minister, but also an MP from Antalya. Joint Strategic Planning Group meeting will undoubtedly take place, as will all the joint events planned for this year.”
