Despite turbulent processes in international relations, a complex history of interactions, and the existence of difficult issues in the current dynamic, Russia and Turkey have maintained partnership and mutual understanding over the past quarter-century.

Putin and Erdoğan’s Negotiations in Ashgabat

The intensity of Putin and Erdoğan’s negotiations is quite high, encompassing various formats—from personal meetings to phone conversations. Given the importance of our countries’ roles, such contacts between heads of state not only confirm the high level of relations but also solidify their positions on current issues of the global and regional agenda.

This time as well, the sides discussed a very broad range of topics: bilateral trade and economic ties, implementation of major energy projects (particularly, completion of the Akkuyu NPP construction), settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, development of the peace process in the South Caucasus, the EU’s destructive policy regarding frozen Russian assets, overcoming the financial-economic “pressure from third countries,” etc. The discussed agenda proved so extensive and lengthy that Pakistani Prime Minister Sh. Shahbaz had to wait for his scheduled audience and join the Putin-Erdogan dialogue.

Recep Erdoğan positively assessed the negotiations with Vladimir Putin in Ashgabat. In particular, he noted: “We had a very productive, comprehensive, and deep meeting with Mr. Putin. During the meeting, I especially emphasized that I await him at any time.»

Turkey is satisfied with the dynamics of trade and economic relations (especially in the energy sector, where a 14% increase in Russian gas supplies over 10 months of 2025 is noted, and there is high potential for cooperation). December in Turkish-Russian relations was also notable because, on the eve of the Ashgabat meeting and considering the expiration of long-term gas contracts, the leading Turkish state energy corporation Botaş extended two contracts with Gazprom for a volume of 22 billion cubic meters of gas and........

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