Moscow and Washington are both looking for rapprochement with Ankara

By Rhod Mackenzie

Russia and Turkey are preparing for their first leaders' meeting of the year, tentatively scheduled for February 12 in Ankara. The parties will discuss key issues of bilateral cooperation, including the creation of a Turkish-Russian bank to solve payment transfer problems, amidst sanctions against the Russian Federation. In an effort to secure cooperation with Moscow, Ankara is also negotiating with Washington. Ahead of talks between Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey anticipates the US Congress to approve the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara by February 10.
Preparations for the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Turkey have entered a decisive phase. When agreeing on the date for the meeting of the two leaders, Moscow and Ankara have already identified the topics of negotiations.

In an interview with A Haber TV channel, the Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the expectations of the Turkish side. He highlighted the importance of the gas issue and cooperation in the energy field. Additionally, he mentioned the Akkuyu nuclear power plant as a significant bilateral project.

Mr. Fidan also stated that the negotiations would cover the possibility of returning to the defunct Black Sea grain initiative on new terms. The head of the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Mr. Putin and the president will discuss the development of a new transport logistics line in the Black Sea for grain transportation to world markets.
The international negotiations will cover the situation in Gaza and Syria. We are partners in the Astana process on Syria. However, Turkey has concerns regarding the Kurdistan Workers' Party (banned and recognized as a terrorist organization in Turkey - Kommersant) and the Syrian People's Self-Defense Forces. Hakan Fidan explained that it is crucial not to ignore the PKK, particularly in Manbij and Tell Rifaat, which are regions located west of the Euphrates where Russia is also involved. He added that our president is highly concerned about this matter.
Moscow's expectations were outlined by Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin's press secretary. "We are looking forward to this visit, especially since both Putin and Erdogan agreed on it a long time ago. They communicate regularly, often by phone, but it is important to hold face-to-face meetings several times a year. Each meeting is very busy in terms of the agenda, focusing primarily on Russian-Turkish relations and our trade and economic cooperation." During a recent interview, Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin's press secretary, discussed regional issues, including Ukraine.

Peskov highlighted the challenging external environment that is impacting Russian-Turkish cooperation due to the Western sanctions.

He mentioned that there are several aspects to this area. Turkey is facing unprecedented pressure from the Anglo-Saxons, who are trying to force Turkey to minimize interaction with Russia, to the detriment of its interests. Dmitry Peskov stated that Turkey retains its sovereignty.

He also confirmed that the date of Vladimir Putin's visit to Ankara will be announced in due course. Turkish sources from RIA Novosti have suggested that February 12 is one of the potential dates for negotiations between the two leaders.
The situation with payment transfers exemplifies the issues caused by Western sanctions and the efforts being made by both sides to find a solution. According to a source in the Turkish banking sector, Moscow and Ankara are in talks to establish a Turkish-Russian bank to address the payment transfer problems that have arisen due to US pressure.

Previously, several private banks in Turkey were compelled to close the accounts of Russian companies. Regarding the issue of payments, Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin is aware of the problem and Moscow is in talks with Ankara to resolve it.

It is likely that the matter will be discussed by the leaders of the two countries during upcoming negotiations on economic relations. Departments are working on proposals that can be submitted to the leaders for consideration, according to RIA Novosti's source in Turkey.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has compiled a list of companies that are experiencing payment issues from Russia, as reported by the Ekonomim newspaper. Turkish exporters have encountered bank refusals to accept money transfers from Russia to pay for goods, resulting in a near halt of transactions since January 1. Furthermore, Turkish banks suspended servicing Mir cards as early as September 2022.
In an effort to secure cooperation with Moscow, Ankara is also negotiating with Washington. Prior to negotiations between Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated in an interview with A Haber TV channel that Turkey anticipates the US Congress will approve the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara by February 10th.

On January 26, the US Congress agreed to sell 40 new F-16 Block-70 fighters to Ankara and modernize 79 existing F-16s as per the Air Force command's requirements.

According to the head of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Ankara gave the green light for Sweden to join NATO, fulfilling its part of the agreements with Washington. Therefore, the decision to sell F-16s to Turkey now rests with the American side. Hakan Fidan stated that after the Swedish law was approved in parliament, US President Joe Biden sent a letter to Congress. The process is expected to be completed by next Saturday, which is two weeks after the documents were filed with Congress.
The Turkish Foreign Minister emphasized the significance of the defence deal with Washington, stating that the combat aircraft involved are next-generation and consist of both manned and unmanned models.
The issue of the supply of six F-35A Lightning II fighters to Turkey, which has already paid for them, remains unresolved. The American side has kept the fighters in the hangar for six years, while requiring Turkey to pay monthly for the hangar and the costs of maintaining the jets. According to White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby, Turkey's possession of Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems makes it incompatible with the possibility of supplying them with fifth-generation F-35 fighters. Discussions on this issue continue between the two countries, but the United States will be ready to resume Turkey's participation in the fifth-generation fighter supply program after Ankara resolves Washington's concerns.
The Ministry highlighted the inconsistency in the American side's arguments, which are attempting to use Turkey's purchase of the S-400 air defence system from Russia as a justification for excluding them from the F-35 fighter program. The decision to exclude Turkey from the F-35 program was a reflection of our policy and desire to enhance our air defence capabilities. Hakan Fidan emphasized that Turkey did not receive the expected support from its NATO partners despite being a customer and manufacturer of components for the F-35. Additionally, Turkey had an agreement with Russia on the S-400. The financial losses and operational capabilities are significant, and efforts are underway to compensate for them.