Turkey-Russia: partnership of convenience

Abstract:

The visit of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to Turkey on 10 October 2016 signals a return to the instrumental partnership which relations between Moscow and Ankara had been characterised by before the freeze caused by Turkey shooting down a Russian bomber in Syria in November 2015.

The intergovernmental agreement signed during the visit to build the Turkish Stream gas pipeline testifies to both sides’ desire to restore economic ties at the level they were before the crisis. In the political sphere, the regeneration of their tactical partnership means their mutual rapprochement will above all be used to strengthen the position of both countries vis-a-vis the West, as well as a willingness to enter into a partial compromise in their policies regarding Syria.

ESO: Background information: Russian warplane shot down near Turkey-Syria border / Turkey feels Putin’s fury over downed fighter http://www.europeansources.info/record/russian-warplane-shot-down-near-turkey-syria-border-turkey-feels-putins-fury-over-downed-fighter/

ESO: Background information: Russia and Turkey: a long history of turbulent relations http://www.europeansources.info/record/russia-and-turkey-a-long-history-of-turbulent-relations/

ESO: Background information: Russia shelves Turkish Stream pipeline project http://www.europeansources.info/record/russia-shelves-turkish-stream-pipeline-project/

ESO: Background information: Turkey intervenes in Syria under the umbrella of Russia http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkey-intervenes-in-syria-under-the-umbrella-of-russia/

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