He noted that Russia is an “important” neighbor of Turkey, as well as a partner of the republic in cooperation in the region, “when circumstances so require.” According to the politician, the two countries “may have certain differences of opinion”, but they “act together in ensuring regional peace and stability.”
“I don’t think there is any reason to change our relationship, which is based on mutual respect,” continued Kılıçdaroğlu.
In his opinion, Russian-Turkish relations “will be further strengthened.”
As the leader of the CHP noted, top officials and organizations of the two states play an important role in their development.
“We believe that corporate consciousness and experience should be the determining factor in interstate relations. We have no doubt that relations between our countries will develop smoothly on an institutional basis,” Kilicdaroglu said.
He pointed out that mutual respect and trust has always been key in the relationship between Ankara and Moscow. As long as there is mutual respect and trust, the politician believes, the two countries will continue close cooperation.
He also drew attention to the fact that Moscow has helped Ankara a lot since Soviet times.
“The USSR helped us develop industry, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. Now a significant part of energy resources comes from Russia. Russians take the first place among foreign tourists visiting Turkey every year,” said Kılıçdaroğlu.
At the same time, he recalled that the Russian Federation is an important market for Turkish agricultural products.
As the politician emphasized, it is in the interests of the Russian Federation and Turkey “to maintain relations based on mutual respect and trust, and not to interfere in each other’s internal affairs.”
“I look at Turkish-Russian relations in this vein, I attach great importance to long-term, stable mutual understanding and consistent policy as a base that is not episodic,” he added.
Earlier, CHP Deputy Head for International Relations Unal Ceviköz said that Kılıçdaroğlu intends to build relations with Russia at the institutional level if he wins the presidential elections in May this year.
