AK Party Deputy Chairman of External Affairs Suat KINIKLIOGLU spoke at the seminar titled ‘Past, Present and Future of Turkish-Russian Relations’ organized at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) on 23 February 2009.

Reminding that the foundations of Turkish – Russian partnership were laid in 2001 KINIKLIOGLU noted that Ismail Cem and Ivan Ivanov, then-Ministers of Foreign Affairs signed a Eurasia Action Plan which initiated increased cooperation between Turkey and the Russian Federation.KINIKLIOGLU said: “The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) pursued a vigorous neighborhood policy after taking office in 2002. Turkey transformed from being a country that was tasked to defend the southeastern border of NATO to becoming a regional hegemon that projects influence to its immediate neighborhood, including the Balkans, the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Black Sea constitutes a significant place within the framework of Turkish-Russian cooperation. Russia has become Turkey’s Nr. 1 trading partner. The two countries cooperate closely in a number of areas ranging from energy to trade and tourism. Most importantly, the political dialogue between Turkey and Russia is most regular and substantial. The two leaders are getting on well and there is no doubt that the relationship is on track. Russia’s position vis-à-vis Turkey is very much conditioned by Russia’s relationship with the West.”

KINIKLIOGLU stressed that any partnership between Turkey and the Russian Federation must be based on equality and equal treatment between the two sides.