Eurasia Daily Monitor - "Growing Russo-Turkish Economic Ties Overshadow Political Differences"
The economic ties between Russia and Turkey have grown significantly in the past couple of years. Looking at the numbers, during the first six months of 2007 Russian exports to Turkey stood at $10.5 billion, up 30.6% from $8.1 billion in the first half of 2006. Further, during the first six months of 2007 Turkey’s exports to Russia rose by 60.3% over the same period of 2006 to reach $2.1 billion.
Many Turkish companies have been active in Russia; and Russian companies have been active in Turkey. For example, one Russian group just took a stake in Turkey’s leading cell phone services provider and is interested in more Turkish investments. Turkey also has a large tourism industry, pulling many visitors from Russia.
Russia and Turkey would seem to make a good political alliance because both counties are in eastern Europe, dislike the EU, and do not like the policies of the United States. However, that alliance has not come to fruition due to an old rivalry. This rivalry has become more prominent with the unrest in the Balkans, Caucasus, and Chechnya.
Questions for discussion:
Do you think that Russia and Turkey will become political allies in the near future?
1 comment:
Well, Rationalism dictates an alliance. But it is very hard for Russia because of prejudices and fears due to its Turkic and muslim population and it is hard for Turkey due to its commitment to Globalism. Turkey is not such autonomous in its decisions due to the foreigners' share in media, Foreign capital level in economy and the integration level of institutions (including military)with Western World.. It could be only possible if EU and USA further alienates Turkey (like Sarkozy and alikes trying to do) and push for disintegration..
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