Russia “important trade partner” - Turkish embassy official

Erdogan’s government has overseen a robust economic growth in the past decade and Turkey entered the team of the world’s 20 largest economies. ANN’s Kamal Ali spoke with Oncu Keceli, political adviser to the Turkish ambassador in Baku.  

- After Russian President Vladimir Putin’s successful visit to Turkey, those opposing the Turkish-Russian rapprochement started claiming that the informal Moscow-Ankara alliance poses a threat to European interests. What would you say about that?

- Turkey and Russia have been neighbors for a thousand years. The two countries fought in the past and, at times, were very good friends. Everybody knows this. 

What we are trying to do now is to use all economic and political opportunities we have to expand our relations. To us, Russia is a very important trade partner. Our trade with Russia is $32 billion a year. Russia is an important country for our economic security. We have a maritime border with Russia. Nearly 4 million Russian tourists visit Turkey every year. Turkish businesses have invested $10 billion in Russia, and Russians have invested the same among of money in Turkey.  

However, Russia and Turkey have differences when it comes to Syria, Ukraine and Crimea. Erdogan openly spoke about this during Putin’s visit to Ankara. Our relations with Russia are not against our relations with the West. Russia has not broken up its relations with Europe either. Turkey is a member of NATO. It has been trying to join the European Union for a long time. Talks are still ongoing with the EU and our position on this has not changed.   

- Next April marks the 100th anniversary of the tragic events that happened in Turkey. Armenians are planning events across the world to commemorate what they call genocide. What are you planning on your part to defend yourselves?

- We do not think there is something to defend ourselves from. We believe that the world needs to know the truth. It is up to historians to deal with historical issues. 

The world needs to get information from all sides to a particular dispute. We grieve for everybody, not Armenians alone, that suffered at the time in Anatolia. Our policy on this is clear and unchanged. From this viewpoint, the year 2015 will be no different from 2014 or 2016.     

- We are hearing again that Turkey may reopen its border with Armenia. Even the Pope spoke about the Turkish-Armenian border during his recent visit to Turkey. Are you really planning to reopen the border?

-   The prime minister and president of Turkey have repeatedly made it clear during their visits to Baku that the border with Armenia can be reopened on certain conditions. From time to time, rumors are circulated in the media that the borders can be reopened soon. We have always denied these rumors. What else can we do? 

As far as I know, the Pope spoke about the borders on board the plane flying back home. He can say to people around him whatever he pleases. It is his business.