New era in Russo-Turkish relations
After a seven month period of frozen relations, last week saw Turkey and Russia enter a new era of normalizing relations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erodogan sent a letter of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the Turkish side was saddened by the death of the Russian pilot last November.
Economic relations between the two countries will no doubt be among the top topics that will be discussed in the coming days. Debates will likely focus on tourism and energy specifically Turkey’s first nuclear plant, the Akkuyu NPP, and the Turkish Stream natural gas project as well as fruit and vegetable trade.
Following the start of communications between Turkey and Russia last week, Putin signed a decree immediately allowing the sales of tours and charter flights to Turkey.
Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev also announced that Russia will now gradually lift the economic restrictions against Turkey.
Tourism sales to Turkey from Russia have already increased to 35 percent from 5 percent in just three days.
While the normalization period will be positive for both countries, undoubtedly both sides will proceed with caution on taking further steps to normalize all aspects from their crisis levels.