Developing relations between Turkey, Russia raises EU concern
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Flourishing of economic relations between Ankara and Moscow during the last three months by 46% in value, as Ankara allowed its companies to fill the gap left by an exodus of Western companies, raises concern of the latter.
Financial Times said, quoting Ministry of Commerce and the Turkish Statistical Institute, “From May to July, Turkish exports to Russia were worth $2.04 billion, $642 million more than in the same months in 2021.”
“The $313 million increase between July 2021 and July 2022 was the largest for any country Turkey exports to. Russia’s share of Turkey’s total exports was 3.9 percent in July, up from 2.6 percent a year earlier,” according to Financial Times.
The rumors about deepening economic cooperation between the abovementioned two countries may bother Western countries, the source added.
The meeting that took place in Sochi on August 5 between Turkish Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin “culminated in a joint pledge to expand energy and trade cooperation,” according to the report.
“EU member states are increasingly concerned about Turkey’s booming trade with Russia and its potential to help Moscow as a substitute for other European imports and exports,” Financial times added, citing two EU officials.
In addition, some western countries considered that Turkey will take advantage of leaving some western companies from Russia, as it will give Turkish companies the opportunity to interfere, financial Times reported.