Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22
By Orkhan Guluzade - Trend:
The normalization of relations between Russia and Turkey requires a long time, Halil Akinci, Turkey's former ambassador to Russia and a member of the Advisory Board of the Caspian Strategy Institute (HASEN) said.
The problem is in the aggressive rhetoric of the sides, Akinci told Trend Feb. 22.
"Russia and Turkey must not forget that they are neighboring countries, and they have common interests," he said.
Commenting on the issue of mediation in order to normalize relations between the two countries, Akinci noted that this is not necessary.
Relations between Russia and Turkey have deteriorated after Turkish Air Force jets shot down the Russian SU-24 bomber when it entered Turkish airspace Nov. 24.
After the incident the Russian president signed a decree on measures to ensure national security and on special economic measures in regard to Turkey.
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