Relations of different countries with Russia have never been an obstacle to the development of partnership with other states and associations, said Russian president’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

His remarks came following the Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement about NATO and Russia, RIA Novosti reported.

Earlier, the Turkish leader said that Russia is one of the main partners of Turkey, but relations with it are not an alternative to relations with NATO allies.

“Multifaceted, friendly relations with Russia have never been and could not be an obstacle for other countries in their implementation of partnership relations in other directions. This was never and could not be discussed, therefore, all states are sovereign, everything is natural, first of all, they care about their own interests, Russia does the same, and seeks cooperation where it is really possible and mutually beneficial,” Peskov told reporters.