The Turkish Foreign Minister called for cooperation with Russia in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). Moscow has also indicated the possibility of accepting this proposal. According to a report on Monday (July 14) by Reuters, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu made these remarks in an interview with TRT, Turkey's state television. He stated, "We will cooperate with anyone fighting against ISIS. We have been doing this for a long time and have opened the Incirlik airbase for those who want to actively fight ISIS." The Turkish Foreign Minister continued, "Why shouldn't we cooperate with Russia in this regard? ISIS is our common enemy, and we must fight this group." In response to a question about whether this means Russian jets would be allowed to use the important Incirlik airbase located in southeastern Turkey, he said, "I did not say that. We said we can cooperate with all those who are fighting ISIS." Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, described Turkey's proposal for joint cooperation against ISIS as "serious statements," but added that he does not know whether the military of the two countries have made contact on this matter. Peskov also pointed to last week's terrorist attacks at Istanbul's Atatürk Airport, stating that these attacks demonstrated how necessary information exchange and joint cooperation in the fight against terrorism between the two countries is. Vladimir Komudiev, head of the Russian State Duma's National Committee, also stated that Moscow and Ankara have a "common goal" in the fight against terrorism within Syrian territory. Relations between Russia and Turkey, which had soured after Turkey shot down a Russian plane near the Syrian border, have been improving following an official apology from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Last December, two Turkish F-14 fighter jets shot down a Russian Sukhoi 24 aircraft near the Syrian border, leading to a severance of economic relations and the imposition of unilateral economic sanctions by Moscow against Ankara.
Turkey's Proposal to Russia for Cooperation Against ISIS
Turkey's Foreign Minister has proposed cooperation with Russia to combat ISIS, highlighting a shared interest in fighting a common enemy. This proposal comes after a history of strained relations between the two nations, particularly following the downing of a Russian jet by Turkey. The collaboration could signify a shift in regional dynamics and counter-terrorism efforts.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Turkey's Foreign Minister proposed cooperation with Russia to combat ISIS, emphasizing a shared interest in fighting terrorism. This proposal comes amidst improving relations between the two countries after a period of tension.
- Turkey has opened the Incirlik airbase for coalition forces fighting ISIS.
- Relations between Turkey and Russia have improved following an official apology from Erdoğan after the downing of a Russian jet.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Turkey and Russia have had a tumultuous relationship, particularly due to conflicts in Syria, but recent events suggest a willingness to collaborate against common threats like ISIS.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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