Newsletters
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia and Türkiye seek to protect their interests and security in the world, describing their relationship as a unique example of balancing national priorities with global stability efforts.
In an official statement marking the 105th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Zakharova emphasized that Russia-Türkiye relations demonstrate "a unique example of balance between pragmatism and protection of its own interests, on one hand, and focus on ensuring sustainable stability and security in the region and the world, on the other."
Zakharova highlighted how both countries have managed to build a relationship that serves their national interests while contributing to broader international stability.
The Russian diplomat emphasized that despite pursuing their own strategic objectives, Russia and Türkiye have maintained cooperation that benefits regional and global security.
"Russia and Türkiye continue to build bridges of trust, demonstrating that even in an era of change, genuine partnership remains an unshakable value," Zakharova stated, underscoring the practical nature of their collaboration.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson detailed how current joint projects serve both countries' interests while contributing to regional prosperity. These include the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant and natural gas supplies through the Blue Stream and TurkStream pipelines.
"We look to the future: joint large-scale projects are being implemented that contribute to improving the welfare of the two peoples, such as the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, natural gas supplies through the Blue Stream and TurkStream pipelines. Active contacts are carried out at the highest and high levels, inter-parliamentary cooperation is developing. The bilateral legal framework is expanding," she said.
Zakharova noted that these "large-scale joint projects contribute to the welfare of both peoples," demonstrating how the partnership delivers concrete benefits while maintaining each country's strategic autonomy.
The Russian official traced the relationship's foundation to 1920, when Soviet Russia became the first country to recognize Türkiye's parliamentary government and provided assistance as a key ally in the independence struggle.
"The foundation laid in 1920 served as a starting point for the formation of close cooperation that has survived many years of transformation," Zakharova explained, noting how both countries have consistently prioritized their mutual interests throughout various historical periods.
June 3 marks 105 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Soviet Russia and Türkiye, a milestone that Zakharova characterized as representing more than historical commemoration.
"Today's date is not only an occasion to remember the past but also an impulse for new achievements," she said, indicating that the anniversary serves as a platform for advancing both countries' interests in contemporary global affairs.
In her full statement marking the 105th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Zakharova said: "June 3 marks 105 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Soviet Russia and Türkiye. This date is an important milestone in the development of bilateral interaction."
"The foundation laid in 1920 served as a starting point for the formation of close cooperation that has survived many years of transformation—from common challenges that tested the strength of interaction and early Soviet-Turkish agreements that consolidated the principles of good neighborliness, to modern long-term strategic initiatives," she added.
"Despite all the vicissitudes of the past, our countries have managed to build strong ties based on mutual respect. Russian-Turkish relations are a unique example of balance between pragmatism and protection of own interests, on one hand, and focus on ensuring sustainable stability and security in the region and the world, on the other," Zakharova noted.
"Today's date is not only an occasion to remember the past, but also an impulse for new achievements. Russia and Türkiye continue to build bridges of trust, demonstrating that even in an era of change, genuine partnership remains an unshakable value," she concluded.
8 min read
