Turkish-Russian relations

They also discussed the issues of upper Karabakh, Iraq, Georgia and terrorism. From what I saw of Gul’s visit, it was a ‘Russian classic.’ The Russian people are very good at paying compliments and showing official etiquette, and they treat almost all their diplomatic guests the same. However, while you go home happy, the Russians continue their policies completely unaltered. During one meeting the Russians said that they considered the talks very important, but just afterwards, Putin dismissed the government which had participated. We consider this a ‘gesture of friendship’ (!).

It wouldn’t be realistic to expect concrete developments on such issues as the upper Karabakh or Cyprus, on which we hoped for Russia’s support. During Gul’s visit the Turkish side explained its stance on the Middle East to the Russians. The most basic problem between Ankara and Moscow isn’t understanding, but confidence. Russia understands us very well. The real problem is the problem of trust on such issues as the Caucasus and the Middle East. For how long can Putin’s Russia, with its dreams of dominating Eurasia, and Turkey, which has become a regional power, stand together?