Ingush senator says Russia should not despair

Ahmet Palankoyev, an Ingush senator, the head of the Russian-Turkish Business Council, said that the Russian authorities and business should not despair and should mobilize. In his words, Russia is under an economic blockade and in an economic war. The senator called import displacement one of the main instruments in the situation. He added the need the develop imports, logistics, customs procedures and stimulation of business.

Palankoyev said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's Annual Address to the Federal Assembly was emphasized business support, prevention of administrative and bureaucratic problems, possibly tax relief. The senator noted that regions had many opportunities grant business reliefs.

Palankoyev clarified that his Russian-Turkish Business Council was encouraging the development of business, hosting conferences and forums attended by entrepreneurs of Russia and Turkey, offering consultations and assistance. Overall, the Council's main goal is to increase trade turnover between Russia and Turkey, investments, cooperation in science and technologies.

The official reminded about Putin's visit to Ankara. In his opinion, the visit was constructive. Significant deals were signed, for example, a deal to build a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu. Russian companies will build it and exploit it. Palankoyev called the pipeline agreement the only correct decision and a profitable project for Turkey. He reminded that Turkey was planning to buy more gas, the new pipeline would give way to creation of a gas hub on the Turkish-Greek border to transport gas to Europe as an alternative route to the pipeline running through Ukraine.

The senator added that Russia and Turkey were overcoming their differences around Iraq and Syria, terrorism threats. Russia and Turkey discussed the problem of Tatars in Crimea. Russia plans to make the Tatar language the second state language. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the idea, according to Palankoyev.