According to a Russian Foreign Ministry source, the sides discussed common issues, summing up earlier talks between Lavrov and Cavusoglu. The subject of the upcoming elections in Turkey in May was broached by journalists during Lavrov’s press conference, which greatly surprised the Russian minister. “Are you not confusing me with anyone? You can ask Americans such questions. They are the ones who say loud and clear who should make which choice,” Lavrov said in response to a request for comment on the election campaign that began in Turkey. and say who Russia supports.
As the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out, “the Russian Federation never interferes in internal affairs, or even in discussions taking place in this or that country on the eve of election campaigns.” Clarifications were needed in the context of the recent approach by the American ambassador to Ankara, Jeff Flake. He met with opposition presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who, of course, was viewed negatively by Erdogan. It closed its doors to an American diplomat. “Know your place!” said the President of Turkey at the time.
Heads of Foreign Ministries of Russia and Turkey discussed the Ukrainian crisis, the Black Sea Initiative, the Syrian issue, Palestinian-Israeli relations, the situation in Libya and the Caucasus , as well as bilateral cooperation in energy, tourism and aid to Turkey’s reconstruction after the devastating earthquake. As Lavrov noted, Moscow is ready to sit down at the negotiating table with Kiev, but they can only be conducted taking into account the legitimate interests and concerns of the Russian Federation. So far, they are ignored by the West, as well as the second part of the Black Sea Initiative, concerning the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers.
This, in turn, was recognized by Cavusoglu. “Tired of appealing to the conscience of those on whom it depends, we have gone to a slight aggravation and offered to extend this agreement for just 60 days, on the basis that if there are no other progress in removing obstacles to the export of Russian fertilizers and grain, then we will consider the need for this agreement,” said the Russian Foreign Minister. However, the West still has a month to change the situation.
All the official part of Lavrov’s negotiations took place at the presidential palace, Aksaray, as it is called here.
Trade turnover between Russia and Turkey, despite Ankara’s partial support for Western sanctions, is growing. The possibility of creating a gas hub in Turkey for the transport of Russian hydrocarbons is being discussed, the launch of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, the first in the republic, is being prepared, the country is also waiting for Russian tourists. Russia provided support to Turkey after the devastating earthquake and continues to send building materials needed to rebuild infrastructure. “We, like in Turkey, have a proverb: a friend is known in trouble,” Lavrov described the current relations between the countries.
All the official part of Lavrov’s negotiations took place at the presidential palace, Aksaray, as it is called here. Only the most respected guests are accepted here. By the way, Russian President Vladimir Putin was one of the first to visit here, when the construction of the complex was completed only in 2014.
