German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier doubts on a  new military alliance between Russia and Turkey, Bild reported quoting Inopress.

According to him, this is a good tendency, that following the incident with the Russian warplane which was shot down by Turkey last year, the countries became closer again. But at the same time he does not believe that the relations between them will become so close that Russia would offer Turkey an alternative to NATO defense partnership. According to him, Turkey is an important partner in the Alliance, and so should remain in the future.

Steinmeier urged to refrain from severe criticism against Ankara. He also added that from the very beginning they expressed their attitude toward arrests of teachers, judges and journalists and they will do so in the future.  But , despite reasonable criticism against Turkey during discussions in Germany, it is often forgotten that those who took part in coup attempt acted with excessive cruelty, including against civilians, and the parliament. And it is recognized even by those Turks who don't support ruling party.