TEHRAN(Bazaar): "Although Russia and Turkey have taken very important steps to build a strategic partnership over the past 19 years, the two countries may have different preferences in technical matters or in some details," Kadir Ertac Celik tells Bazaar in an exclusive interview.
Noting the importance of 'Turk Stream' gas project, Celik also says that Turkey has a geostrategic position and assess risk in terms of themselves and the international balance of power in most states, including the United States and Western countries.
Kadir Ertac Celik is a security adviser at Ankara-based think tank ANKASAM (Ankara Crisis and Political Research Center).
The following is the text of the interview:
Bazzar: "TurkStream" gas pipeline gives special power to Turkey and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in inauguration ceremony of this pipeline, which carries Russian gas to Europe via Turkey, asserting Russian-Turkish cooperation would be strengthened in all areas, despite the efforts of its opponents. But during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, we have seen differences between the two countries over control over the implementation of the ceasefire and its details. Also, although Russia is trying to have an indirect impact on the confrontation between Turkey and Greece, the recent Kremlin has been in control of reducing or increasing tensions in the region. Erdogan does not recognize Crimea, and Russia does not recognize the existence of Northern Cyprus as a state. In fact, Russia has a problem with Ankara's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. As a result, although Erdogan is trying to use Russia's supportive role despite the complexities of Ankara-Moscow relations, Putin is well aware that he can use his charisma against Erdogan. Now, despite these issues, are there any common interests between two countries in relation to this pipeline jeopardized? What efforts have the two countries made to expand bilateral cooperation?
Celik: First of all, the importance of the TurkStream natural gas pipeline project should be mentioned. In December 31, 2019, the gas flow and this project was ready to be inaugurated on January 8, 2020 shall transmit the Russian gas directly to Turkey. Russia's Anapa TURKAK a line extending from Kiyiköy, is raising Turkey's first recipient of the transit of natural gas and eliminates the risks. Thus, a reliable energy source has been created for Southern and Southeastern Europe.
Therefore, Turkey has a strategic importance for Russia. It also contributes to both energy needs and energy security of Europe. This is the realization of strategic projects that the Turkey-Russia relations contribute to make a strategic state. Also, Turkey has a geostrategic position and assess risk in terms of themselves and the international balance of power in most states, including the United States and Western countries. This is important due to considering NATO membership. Turkey and US is the member of NATO.
So, it is desirable that the disputations and different views between Turkey and Russia to be resolved. However, both Turkish and Russian politicians are aware of this situation. Therefore, the issue of Turkey-Russia cooperation for the strategic orbit insertion process are handled through different buying criteria.
Russia is worry about different regional issues and policy choices that causes to have a conflict with Turkey . However, it cannot be expected that two states, which saw each other as the other and as a threat until the 1990s, would make the same choices on every issue.
Common perspectives on these issues will be established with a smooth transition by spreading over time. The two countries actually took a very important step in 2001 to have a strategic partnership that I mentioned. The name of this step is: Cooperation Action Plan in Eurasia. This agreement between Turkey and Russia are in favor of a multipolar world .So, They declared that intended to establish a strategic relationship in this direction. The Astana process has been a concrete indicator of this agreement.
Naturally, states may have different preferences in technical matters or some details. But the main thing is to maintain strategic cooperation. We know that both Erdogan and Putin see this fact well and do what is necessary to continue bilateral cooperation.
First of all, the two countries opted for a diplomatic process carried out through their leaders to expand their bilateral cooperation and ties. Thus, crises are resolved before they turn into conflict. Moreover, Turkey`s receive from Russia's S-400 defense system, the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear plant, TURKAK project, Astana process are important steps.
Moreover, concerning Nagorno-Karabakh issue, it is very important that Russia as the traditional and military ally of Armenia, remains neutral for the first time during the conflict. Thus, Russia has taken important steps to establish cooperation with Turkey as the member of NATO and NATO's military which has the second most important strategic base.
Bazaar: One of the most important axes of Russia-Turkey relations is the economic cooperation between the two countries, which arises from a kind of mutual needs of the two sides. But the opening of the Turk Stream gas pipeline in recent months came as tensions in Libya and Syria escalated; Ankara and Moscow have different interests concerning the two countries. In fact, the differences between the foreign policies of Russia and Turkey towards Syria, are clearly visible. Also, one of the most important factors that has always influenced Russian-Turkish relations is the international or Western factor. Despite these issues, what considerations have the two countries taken to strengthen their relationship?
Celik: Although Russia and Turkey will have some different choices in the future, the Syria issue is the most basic point between them. The issue they agree on, is to prevent the interfere of imperialist powers outside the region regarding the Syria's future from being determined by.
The determination of Syria's future is concerned by Syrians. As their basic political preferences are the same, the cooperation process does not suffer much. In addition, the two states have different policies in Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean. However, despite different preferences, both states are trying to come to a close line.
Thus, the relationships are not damaged. Westerns are very unpleasant with this situation. However, they still look at the issue as the view in the Cold War era. Yet the Cold War is over. The world is no longer bipolar. A new global system is being established . Everyone is repositioning themselves in this system.
Bazaar: Given that the countries of the Mediterranean basin do not recognize "Northern Cyprus" and given that Turkey has drawn maritime borders with the government of Faiz Siraj in Libya (Tripoli), which is not agreed by the countries of the Mediterranean basin, is it possible to determine the maritime boundaries of this region? Is it settled?
Celik: The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is an independent state. Independence is a one-sided operation. If a state declares its independence, it is a reality. And the independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is in accordance with international law.
Turkey also has recognized this independence. However, the issue in the Eastern Mediterranean is not related to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This issue which is contrary to international law in the eastern Mediterranean in Greece, is violating the sovereignty of Turkey and other regional states.
No state gives up its sovereign rights. So, Turkey has signed an agreement with Libya's legitimate government and has identified areas of maritime sovereignty. This is in accordance with international law and the rights of the states of the region are also protected.
Egypt, for example, will gain more sovereignty under this agreement. Turkey has not hesitated and wont be in doubt to use diplomatic, legal and military options whereas Turkey to support the legitimate government of Libya has a responsibility arising from the UN Agreement.
So Turkey should establish regional peace in Libya and convenience to end conflicts. And also, we should be especially noted that Turkey has invited the legitimate government of the country.
Interview by Tahmineh Ghamkhar
نظر شما