With its distinctive diplomatic and political activity in the region and the world, Turkey has taken a unique position in the processes between the Ukraine-Russia and Russia-NATO trio, which have recently become more tense.
Given the role of Turkey in the following processes, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Chavushoglu made an interesting statement at a meeting of the International Security Academy yesterday.
"Ankara will act in accordance with the national interests of the country and the current situation. We will not overlook our principles and close relations with Ukraine just because we have extensive relations with Russia. We will act according to the situation. Although it is a difficult task, it is always required in diplomacy," he said.
Chavushoglu also mentioned three main principles in Turkey's foreign policy: "national interests", "existing realities" and "opportunities and capacity of the country".
The Turkish diplomat also spoke about Turkey's position in NATO. He noted that NATO has also undergone a transformation, noting that Turkey is trying to adapt to new developments and focus on strengthening within NATO by 2030. Chavushoglu also stressed that Turkey, as the second strongest army in NATO and the fifth largest contributor to the alliance's operations and missions, played an active role in these efforts.
"Some countries are trying to present the EU as an alternative to NATO. This is neither constructive nor realistic," he said.
"The indivisibility of transatlantic security is our core principle," he added.
If we look at the statements of the Turkish diplomat, it is clear that the country has a significant role in the Northern Alliance. This also means that Russia, the other side, must reckon with Turkey in such a tense situation.
Political analyst Teymur Gasimli has told EDNews.net about Turkey's foreign policy and its important role in resolving the ongoing tensions in Russia-Ukraine and Russia-NATO relations.
"We know that the Turkish Republic has always stood by Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. At the same time, the interests of Ukraine have always been mutual with Turkey's. This has deepened, especially since the occupation of Crimea. In addition, the incumbent government of Ukraine is interested in getting closer to Turkey. Even the West, in a sense, supports this rapprochement.
As for Chavushoglu's statement, I can say that Turkey is currently holding behind-the-scenes diplomatic talks with Ukraine and Russia. This is mostly done on the basis of telephone conversations. Of course, Turkey, as an independent state, uses its rights to pursue a pragmatic policy with both countries and tries to maintain relations.
It is possible that if there is a war between the two sides in the future, Turkey might remain neutral in order not to completely break off relations with Russia. However, in the current situation, it is in Turkey's full interest to support Ukraine, and it has the right to continue to do so. "
Teymur Gasimli also touched upon the possibility whether Turkey's participation in the process of Ukraine-Russia conflict as a NATO member could damage relations with Russia.
"At first, Turkey is a member of NATO, and therefore has participated in the Korean War before, paying a heavy price at the request of the United States. However, NATO has not reciprocally supported Turkey, either in Syria, Iraq or Cyprus. Today, Turkey's side with the West in the Ukraine issue is simply due to its important position in NATO. In other words, the Turkish army is as strong as its capacity in resolving the conflict.
On the other hand, Turkey's confrontation with Russia in the guise of NATO will not affect Russia much. Because Russia is also a country that depends on Turkey in a certain way. Most importantly, both sides can use each other alternately, both economically and politically, to protect themselves from the West. That is why Russia has to digest Turkey's position in the West."
The political analyst also touched on Chavushoglu's statement criticizing the European Union as an alternative to NATO.
"Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Chavushoglu's critical approach, which he considers unconstructive, aims to show the importance of Turkey's role its gravity in NATO. Although Turkey is a candidate for EU membership, it is not part of Europe yet. However, Turkey is one of the strongest countries among NATO members and is a country that can speak alongside European countries. For this reason, Turkey says it is not right to consider the EU as an alternative to NATO in order to maintain its important position, he concluded."
by Elnur Enveroglu
