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Russian FM: Russo-Turkish Relations Must Benefit Regional Stability

By Nazrin Gadimova March 17, 2017

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Moscow is ready to mediate in the negotiations between Turkey and Armenia. / Business Week Caucasus

The normalization of bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Ankara should be undertaken in the context of peace, security, and stability in Transcaucasia, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

“This normalization between Russia and Turkey should not be regarded as a process that may harm other states,” Lavrov said. “Russia has no hidden agenda. We build no political and no economic alliances directed against third countries or adversely affecting any interests. In general, we are open for constructive and mutually respectful cooperation with all who express same readiness.”

Lavrov’s comments were made during an interview with the Armenian English-language magazine Regional Post on Thursday.

Relations between Russia and Turkey sharply deteriorated after a Russian Su-24 bomber was shot down by a Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet in Syria in November 2015.  Russia reacted by imposing economic measures against Turkey that went into effect on January 1, 2016.  By June, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan apologized for the incident and relations between the two countries started normalizing.

With regards to the situation on the Turkish-Armenian border, Lavrov said his country is ready to mediate if needed.

“I am convinced that Armenia and Turkey are able to resolve the current problems. That said, quite a lot depends on themselves.  When Yerevan and Ankara sit at the negotiating table, Russia will be ready to provide them with most vigorous assistance,” Russia’s top diplomat added.

Turkey unilaterally blocked the Armenian-Turkish border in 1993 immediately after Armenian troops occupied Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh region and adjacent territories. Ankara is prepared to re-open the border so long as Armenia ceases to seek international recognition of the so-called Armenian Genocide and withdraws its troops from Azerbaijani lands.