Russia is likely to become Turkey's largest trade partner in the coming years, especially with the intentions of both countries' presidents to increase trade turnover to $100 billion, Huseyin Bagci, the President of the Foreign Policy Institute of Turkey, told TASS while commenting on the talks between Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin in Sochi on September 4.
"Based on the statements made in Sochi about the potential for trade turnover growth, it is conceivable that Russia could become Turkey's largest trade partner within the next 5-10 years," the agency's interlocutor said.
According to him, the personal rapport between Erdogan and Putin plays a significant role in the dynamic advancement of trade and economic ties between the two nations.
"The significant rapport between the presidents holds a crucial role in advancing the cooperation between Turkey and Russia," the expert emphasized, noting that this is particularly relevant in the current international context, considering the sanctions imposed by Western nations against Russia.
"It's a significant opportunity for us that we're not participating in the sanctions imposed on Russia. This enhances Turkey's credibility on the global stage, especially considering the balanced policies it follows, including its approach to the Ukrainian situation. Additionally, Turkey, being in close dialogue with Russia, can convey Moscow's perspective on the grain deal to Western countries," Bagci explained.
During a press conference in Sochi, Erdogan expressed his optimism that the yearly trade volume between Turkey and Russia would increase from $62 billion to $100 billion in the near future. Putin, in response, noted that trade turnover between the two nations had risen by 86% the previous year and that the positive trend was continuing this year.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS