“If in the 1990s someone was to suggest that Turkish-Russian relations could one day reach a level of strategic partnership it would have likely induced uproarious laughter to listeners,” reads an article by Cem Oguz posted in Hurriyet Daily News.
The author says that Russia has so far considered Turkey a rival and traditional enemy. However, since Vladimir Putin came to power, economic interests have prevailed in Russia’s foreign policy, with geopolitical ambitions replaced by geo-economical aspirations.
According to him, Turkey’s foreign policy underwent certain changes as well. Presently, Ankara “is paying special attention to the Russia factor in its foreign policy conduct.” The countries realized that bilateral cooperation is a prerequisite for stability, particularly in the Caucasus where key issue is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. Cem Oguz notes that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is high on the agenda of President Medvedev’s visit to Turkey.
“In any strategic partnership, a common strategic vision is an essential prerequisite. For the Turkish-Russian partnership the acid test will ultimately be the Karabakh issue,” the author concludes.