Disagreements with Russia Push Turkey Towards the West, Bloomberg

Turkey is striving to mend relations with traditional Western allies and Saudi Arabia, a regional power, as disagreements with Russia, the victory of Joe Biden in the U.S. presidential elections, and the threat of European sanctions force a reevaluation of its foreign policy. This is reported by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the situation.

Two years after his inauguration, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a political pivot away from the West towards closer ties with Moscow, which alienated him from his NATO partners. However, recent events have changed the situation.

Turkey's interests are increasingly at odds with those of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In Libya, prior to the signing of a ceasefire, Turkey and Russia found themselves on opposite barricades, while their interests also clashed in Syria. Subsequently, Turkey invaded a territory under Russian influence by supporting Azerbaijan in the 44-day war against Armenia.

Additionally, there is the matter of the U.S., where President Donald Trump, who emphasized his strong personal ties with Erdoğan even amid disagreements, is leaving the White House.

Regarding Europe, European leaders are preparing to discuss sanctions against Turkey for its unilateral exploration of energy resources in disputed waters during the EU summit starting December 10. Sanctions could threaten Turkey's economic recovery from pandemic-related restrictions just weeks after a new group of high-ranking officials began attempts to stabilize the plummeting currency.

Erdoğan speaks in a conciliatory tone: “We have no issues with any country or institution that cannot be resolved through politics, dialogue, and negotiations,” he stated, urging the EU to assist Turkey in overcoming obstacles to its membership and adhere to visa exemption agreements.

“We express the same desire in our relations with our ally, the U.S.,” Erdoğan said.