Turkey Does Not Agree With Russia on Everything, Says Çavuşoğlu

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has stated that there are differing opinions between Moscow and Ankara on certain issues, but dialogue with one of the region's key players, Russia, must be maintained and cooperation continued. Çavuşoğlu made this statement in an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, as reported by RIA Novosti.

“We are trying to establish working relations with Russia. In certain regional matters, Russia is a key player. At the same time, it is not always easy to achieve positive results, but it is possible. This does not mean we have the same opinion on all issues. However, we are able to speak openly. It is important to keep the channels of dialogue open,” Çavuşoğlu declared.

The foreign minister emphasized that Turkey must defend its national interests and cannot compromise the country’s security. “Russia understands this. We cooperate with Russia whenever possible, but remain steadfast when necessary,” he added.

He pointed out that dialogue with Russia should contribute to regional and international stability. “Syria is an example of this. It is clear that our opinions differ, but nonetheless we have found ways to work together. One of the outcomes is the constitutional committee, which is the only functioning mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2254,” Çavuşoğlu stated.