Russia will not make a deal with Turkey behind Armenia’s back, Turkish studies expert Ruben Safrastyan told NEWS.am, attempting to forecast forthcoming Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Moscow.

“I am confident that Moscow will not make a deal with Ankara behind Armenia’s back. It is illogical. Ankara has no leverage against Moscow. Karabakh conflict is likely to be discussed in the course of Turkish delegation’s visit but will not in the context of regional developments. On the whole, economy and in particular energy issues will be in focus,” Safrastyan said. The expert considers that Lavrov’s imminent visit to Armenia after Erdogan arrives in Moscow proves that Russia will not close a deal behind Armenia’s back.

“Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan speaks of the fact that Russia cooperates with Armenia openly and has no intension of doing any secret deals with Ankara,” the expert underlined.

Turkish Premier will visit Moscow January12-13.

A.G.