Attempts of Moscow and Ankara to restore relations caused a wide resonance in world mass media, and received mostly positive assessments. According to Forbes, after restoration of relation between Russia and Turkey, Washington should also stop a new "cold war", as "a conflict between Moscow and Ankara because of the civil war in Syria ws a folly. This struggle would lead to catastrophe if the US and NATO are involved in it. Now America and Russia should restore working relations. "
Meanwhile, experts note that Ankara is trying to find a new positioning in today's foreign political situation. The Sector chief of the Turkish Institute of Oriental Studies Natalia Ulchenko tells about several positions.
Firstly, awareness of unpromising plans to join the EU after the UK’s withdrawal.
Secondly, search for new partners in the face of previously rejected Russia and Israel.
Thirdly, the attempt to find new nuances in relation to the United States. "Not so long ago, Turkey relied on distancing from the United States, and conducting a more independent foreign policy without regard for his eternal partner and patron. It was a fiasco and led to the deterioration of relations between Russia and Turkey where the request in respect of ensuring the security of Turkey was made precisely in the direction of NATO. But now, against the backdrop of improving relations with Russia, the situation is also changing," Ulchenko said.
Fourthly, there have been reports about Russia's admission to participation in the creation and use of the gas distribution system in Turkey. "It has always been Gazprom’s aim,’’ as it is the most profitable step that can bring profit to activities of gas companies. And the matter that has not been resolved, was back on the agenda,’’ the expert said.
Fifth, the new Ankara's attitude is for the prospect of Assad in power in Syria. "Distancing of Russia’s position by Turkey started precisely with this issue when Assad was considered as completely unacceptable leader neither in the short-term, nor in the long run. Today, this position is reviewed, and the preservation of Assad in Syria in the name of consolidation for the sake of strong Syria is more capable for fighting against Daesh and it is considered as positive," Ulchenko said.
Sixthly, there is the prospect of a painful decision for Turkey's Kurdish issue. "Our conflict has led to an effort to gain the Kurdish vector of Russian foreign policy, which is disadvantageous for Turkey. A more restrained policy of Russia in this issue give Turkey any additional chances and preferences in resolving of the Kurdish matter,’’ the expert believes.
