China’s president urged leaders at the summit to reject the “Cold War mentality,” in an apparent reference to US policies. Meanwhile, Russia’s Vladimir Putin has used the forum to defend his war in Ukraine.
Putin hails Turkey as ‘strategic’ partner, mediator
Vladimir Putin praised Turkey “strategic” partner in bilateral cooperation, particularly in energy, during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
“Our focus is also on topics of common interest, such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Transcaucasia. Russian-Turkish cooperation in all these areas is well-established, concrete, useful, and, I would say, trusting,” Putin said, according to Russian state media.
Russia’s leader also hailed Turkey’s role as a mediator in talks between Moscow and Kyiv. Erdogan, meanwhile, stressed that Ankara sought a “fair and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
Russia-Turkey energy ties
The Russian president highlighted their nations’ growing bilateral trade and investment.
While Russia has faced increasingly tough sanctions from Western nations over its war in Ukraine, Turkey has continued to do business with Moscow despite being a member of the NATO military alliance.
Russia is one of Turkey’s key energy suppliers, according to Turkish state media Anadolu Agency.
Ankara buys natural gas from Russia, which is delivered via two parallel pipelines that run through the Black Sea.
At their meeting, Erdogan confirmed that his invitation for Putin to visit Turkey “remains valid.”
“We look forward to welcoming you to our country as soon as possible. We have sincere relations based on trust. Our relations are developing without being affected by current circumstances,” the Turkish president said.
About the Author
