Turkey wants to normalize relations with Russia

Turkey stands for normalization of relations with Russia, Vural Altay, the Turkish Foreign Ministry’s representative for Eastern Europe, told Trend agency on May 17.

He told the current crisis between the two countries is in favor of neither Russia nor Turkey. “Turkey has not closed diplomatic channels in order to restore relations with Russia,” he said.

Earlier, Turkish presidential spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin said that Turkey is ready to normalize relations with Russia.

“We call Russia for a diplomatic solution to the problem occurring after the incident on November 24 last year. Our proposal is still valid. Unfortunately, Russian meets our offer with unfounded allegations. We hold meetings of certain ranks. We hope in the intensification of the talks and meetings. Sacrificing strong relations between Turkey and Russia to an incident is unacceptable,” he said.

The relations between Turkey and Russia have worsened since Turkey shot down a Russian warplane in November 2015 for violating Turkish airspace. Turkey declares that it is ready to normalize relations in all areas. Russia needs to use the Turkish Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits. The commander clarified that relations continue on the military level.