Joint Workshop on
“New Directions in the Russian-Turkish Strategic Partnership”
April 26, 2013, Moscow

As part of its Track-II consultations,  Global Relations Forum organized a joint workshop titled “New directions in the Russian-Turkish strategic partnership” with the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IOS RAS) in Moscow on April 26, 2013. During the workshop, participants exchanged views on Turkey and Russia’s roles in world politics; Turkish-Russian regional cooperation; economic and energy aspects in the development of their bilateral relationship, as well as the role of non-state actors in this partnership.

In their opening speeches, RIAC President and former Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Igor Ivanov, IOS RAC Director Vitaly Naumkin, and GRF Vice-Chairman and President Memduh Karakullukçu all emphasized the key roles being played by Turkey and Russia in the transformations taking place in the world and especially in the region, the fact that the two countries’ differences do not constitute an impediment to starting a strategic dialogue, and the necessity for both parties to follow a pragmatic route. In addition to these remarks, the parties aimed to comprehend each other’s perspectives regarding the world’s many challenges, to resolve misconceptions about reciprocal priorities and interests as well as to discuss common security risks and threats concerning the two countries.