“Russian Foreign Policy and Turkish-Russian Relations” Seminar by Russian Ambassador Aleksey Yerhov

Ambassador of the Russian Federation HE Mr. Aleksey Yerhov gave a seminar on “Russian Foreign Policy and Turkish-Russian Relations” on 24 January 2018 within the scope of “Diplomacy and Peace Seminars”organized by TOBB ETU Department of Political Science and International Relations and answered students' questions.

Mr. Yerhov began his speech by mentioning Russia’s social, historical and cultural background and assessed the current situation in Syria, Turkey-Russia relations and regional developments. Ambassador said that they closely follow the Olive Branch Operations, and the close cooperation of Russia and Turkey on Syria. In this regard so far, significant success is achieved. In the framework of the Astana Conference, the process of Astana was initiated and they ensured the establishment of a non-conflict zone in four places, which are the main points of the conflict in Syria. Yerhov mentioned that together with Iran and Turkey, they continue preparations for Sochi National Dialogue Congress and he added that, they aim further peace in Syrian territory.

Mr. Yerhov noted that Turkey and Russia share a deep history wich is built on great wars and cooperation. Pointing out that a new and different era has been entered in the relations between the two countries and that there are opportunities for new partnership and cooperation, he said that the leaders of the two countries have a big share in this.

Ambassador Yerhov also noted that the level of bilateral trade has been endeavored to reach higher levels of targeted; underlined the importance of evaluating new opportunities in trade and investment.