ANKARA
Turkish main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said that as Turkey and Russia developed the areas they were cooperating in, unilateral dependence would turn into a mutual dependence.
Kilicdaroglu, who spoke to Russian "Gazetem" newspaper issued in Turkish, said that it was important to establish good relations based on mutual respect and common interests between Turkey and Russia.
The two countries should cooperate in other areas too besides the energy area in order to have balanced and peaceful relations, said Kilicdaroglu, adding that commerce, culture-art, sports and tourism were the leading areas.
Kilicdaroglu said that Turkey and Russia should encourage dialogue and diplomacy by bringing clashing sides together in order to protect peace in the Middle East and Caucasus.
With these views, CHP is a political party which wants to establish good relations based on mutual respect and common interests, said Kilicdaroglu.
Commenting on the situation in Syria, Kilicdaroglu said that Syrian people should decide the future of Syria without a foreign intervention.
We consider the stance of Russia important while overcoming the crisis in Syria, said Kilicdaroglu, adding that over one year has passed since CHP offered to hold an international meeting which would include Russia too for a peaceful solution.
Noting that Turkey should diversify its resources by making deals with different countries in energy area, Kilicdaroglu said that if Turkey reduced its dependence on Russia in energy area and diversified its cooperation areas with Russia, then its relations with Russia would be more productive and healthy.
Kilicdaroglu also welcomed the idea of opening a Russian school in Turkey and a Turkish school in Russia.
