-Russian-Turkish relations up for discussion in Turkey’s Izmir
The bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia will be tabled during the 86th International Izmir Fair beginning Aug. 18. A large number of Russian and Turkish high representatives are expected to conduct meetings on trade, energy and political relations.
One of the major energy projects between the two countries is the TurkStream - the new natural gas pipeline project in the Black Sea. Although construction of the pipeline has begun, some concerns were raised for the second line of the project to European markets following the U.S.’ new set of sanctions against Russia.
On the other hand, the construction of Turkey’s first nuclear plant, the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant – collaboration between Turkey and Russia, plans to be launched next year. This represents a pioneering example of cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.
The trade of food products between the Turkey and Russia saw a setback following the sanctions on some Turkish foodstuff imports to Russia. Despite the improvement in relations, Russian Agriculture Minister Alexandr Tkachev stated clearly that tomato imports from Turkey would not be allowed.
Turkey’s Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci warned Russia that counter-measures would be put in place if sanctions against Turkish food products remain in place.
“We are under pressure if the sanctions over vegetables, including tomatoes, continue to be applied. We can take counter measures against this pressure, we cannot hold on any further,” the minister said.
Zeybekci noted that there were disruptions in relations related to the visa free regime, transportation and in the trade of some products, prior to the talks in Izmir this week.
“We don’t want to hear the word ‘ban’ over meat and dairy products,” he warned.
-Schroder nominated for Rosneft’s board
The most striking development last week raised eyebrows on Russia-Europe relations.
Former German PM Gerhard Schroder was nominated to join the board of the Russian petroleum giant Rosneft after a decree published by the Russian government. Russia’s biggest oil producers Rosneft is 51 percent owned by the state and is one of the largest energy companies globally.
Schroder is known as a friend of Vladimir Putin and a staunch critic of EU sanctions on Russia.