The leaders of the two countries, which used to be enemies, have come together a total of nine times in the last five years for different occasions. Putin was the first Russian leader to visit Turkey in December 2006 since former USSR President Nikolay Podgorni visited Turkey in 1972, 34 years prior. His most recent visit to Turkey was his third one. The meeting between the two leaders was confirmation of the historical turning point concerning relations between the two countries. A total of 20 different protocols, ranging on issues from aerospace research and energy to trade, were signed. Both leaders appeared to be very happy as they announced that they had reached an agreement on every issue that was discussed. The humorous comments of the Cold War country's agent-rooted leader were signs that the talks went well.
The entire world, and especially Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who was observing the developments, learned a striking truth from the two leaders, namely that Russia had become the No. 1 country in foreign trade for Turkey and that Turkey had become Russia's No. 5 trade partner, surpassing both the US and the UK.
The situation and mutual trust have improved so much that the leaders have agreed to have an annual intergovernmental meeting to discuss remaining issues. With government officials from both countries coming together as of next year, the countries will be taking another huge step toward a multi-faceted strategic partnership. The most attention-grabbing aspect of the development of Turkish-Russian relations is that, contrary to some incorrect analyses, the evident momentum being gained is not a result of Turkey's new quest due to the problems it has experienced with the US and the EU.
The current situation in Turkey is different than when, during Atatürk's time, Turkey was at war with the West and forced to have friendly relations with Russia. Turkey is not leaning toward Moscow because it doesn't have good relations with Washington or Brussels.
Turkey is a country whose profile is making a name for itself from the East to the West and from the Middle East to Africa and is simultaneously developing relations with all nations' actors. One of US President Barack Obama's first bilateral visits was to Turkey. Relations between Turkey and the US are fairly good, especially due to their similar outlooks on global issues.
It is no secret that there are chronic problems with the US. But let us not forget that just under a month ago European leaders, starting with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, were in Ankara to sign the Nabucco project.
Likewise, Turkey's relations with the Middle East are at their brightest. The development that needs to be recognized is that not only has Turkey recognized its own importance and is slowly reflecting this new mindset in its policies but others are recognizing Turkey's importance as well.
Is there any other explanation why apparent rivals Europe and Russia would sign critical agreements with Turkey less than a month apart? In the joint press conference, the Russian leader openly stated that Turkey was indispensable for Russia with respect to its location for energy routes. European leaders pointed to the same fact just a month ago. The role of mutual economic dependency stemming from tourism, contractual works and the luggage trade, which started after the late President Turgut Özal signed a natural gas agreement with the USSR, must not be forgotten.
But the main reason for improved relations between Moscow and Ankara and for the Russian leader's routine visits to Turkey lies behind the change in Russia's view toward Turkey.
If this change had not taken place, Turkey would continue to be an advanced Western outpost in the eyes of Moscow. It would have been seen as a neighbor that needed to be approached with suspicion due to its stance on sensitive issues such as Chechnya and Tatarstan. But why did Russia's perspective on Turkey change?
When Abdullah Gül visited Moscow in 2004 as the foreign minister, Putin personally stated the important factor that opened the door to change. It was Parliament's refusal of the March 1 motion to allow US troops to open a northern front before the Iraqi war. Putin, who knows Russia's view very well because he is a former KGB officer, said that until that action Moscow did not see Turkey as a worthy actor and therefore opted not to deal with Ankara but directly with its boss, Washington. But with this decision, Turkey proved to be an actor.
Although Putin did not say this, I think the second development that reinforced relations took place during the Georgia crisis. With mutual trust intact, no one should be surprised if relations continue to excel. I believe Turkey will use its credibility not only to develop economic ties but also to improve democracy and address minority rights and the problems of Muslims living in the federation, and Turkey's warnings on matters will be more effective than the warnings of Westerners.
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