WSJ: Erdogan is trying to show that Russia could become an alternative to the EU – BBC

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The meeting of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin signaled its readiness Ankara look in the direction of Moscow – the traditional counterweight to Western influence in the Middle East, writes The Wall Street Journal

As the newspaper notes, Europe has seen in Erdogan’s rapprochement with Putin, the Turkish leader’s attempt to demonstrate. that Russia could become an alternative to the European Union, which is critical of Ankara after a military coup.

«However, in the long term, their interests did not coincide, especially in Syria, as well as on the economy and energy. That is why it is important to keep our channels for Ankara’s open “- a senior EU official said

According to another official unit, Erdogan’s visit to Moscow is a” show of force, which seems larger than it really is. ” .

Both the source WSJ pointed out that three-quarters of foreign direct investment in Turkey comes from the EU.

in general, Western leaders believe that Turkey has a key role in operations against “Islamic state “and has the second largest army in NATO, will remain a solid ally of the West, the article says. . However, to speak with confidence about the further developments can not be

«Most of the major allies are growing doubts about Russia, even if they want to reduce tensions,” – said the former adviser in the administration of President George W. Bush, Thomas Graham.

According to him, even though Ankara is a NATO ally and its protection becomes “different context” because Turkey is becoming “increasingly authoritarian state, which also flirts with Russia».

Previous Erdogan expressed hope for the restoration of “Moscow friendship axis – Ankara»

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