Vladimir Filipović | 12. 10. 2016 to 11: 27h

Blic.rs - source of article

Disagreements are far behind Vladimir Putin and Recep Erdogan. The leaders of Russia and Turkey met at the World Energy Congress in Istanbul and signed several agreements, and afterwards began cementing the good relations between their countries.

Less than a year after the shooting down of "Sukhoi" on the Turkish-Russian border, instead of the war announcements and the cold war press relations, cooperation between Russia and Turkey is even better than before that incident. These are just some of the agreements that have been signed by Putin and Erdogan.

1. Military Cooperation

The exchange of intelligence information between Turkey and Russia was one of the topics during the meeting of two presidents. After it was discovered that the information to prevent a coup in Turkey, was delivered to Erdogan by Russian intelligence, confidence has increased. As for Syria, despite having different agendas and interests, Russia and Turkey have agreed that they will not interfere with each other in the interventions, and that they will regularly exchange information about planned actions to prevent accidents.

2. Turkish Stream is alive

Although the agreed military cooperation, the most important project is certainly the end of Turkish Stream gas pipeline, which will be a giant economic injection into the budgets of both countries. The agreement provides for the construction of two-thirds of the gas pipeline across the Black Sea, 910 kilometers in length, while the part through Turkey will be 180 km long. Thanks to Turkey stream, the gas will be transported out from Russia to Turkey, from where it will continue to be distributed to the countries of the European Union. Moreover, Turkey has emerged from this agreement with privileged status because it will get cheaper gas from Russia.

3. Turkey goods are returned to the Russian market

After complete suspension of relations after the downing of "Sukhoi" Russia had to Turkey imposed tough economic sanctions, which have greatly damaged the country's economy. Moscow has banned business in Russia, all tourist organizations from Turkey, as well as hotels and other companies. The ban was related to the construction business, architecture and wood industries. President Vladimir Putin, then resentful of attitude of Ankara even urged Russians not to go on holidays to Turkey, and so practically deprived the local tourism industry for at least three million visitors each year. Also, Russia has then banned the import of Turkish clothes, fruits and vegetables. Estimates are that the months-long sanctions Turkey costed nearly 10 billion euros. However, after warming relations and their further strengthening at the Energy Congress, Russia and Turkey together again cooperate at full speed, to mutual satisfaction.

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IZAKOVIC