Russia and Turkey: Partnership within Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization

Abstract

Russian-Turkish relations within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) is considered. It is shown that the Black Sea states have a need for cooperation. The main directions of the Russian-Turkish partnership within the BSEC are presented. The author notes the high interest of the participating states in the forms of cooperation in different areas, for example, in energy. Examples of certain activities within the framework of Russian-Turkish cooperation are given, which demonstrate the participants’ understanding of the need to develop subregional cooperation. It is established that Turkey is particularly interested in the energy resources of the region. The implementation of large-scale joint projects related to the increase in natural gas supplies from Russia to Turkey is presented. It is noted that the participants are looking for mutually acceptable solutions in the field of energy policy. It is concluded that the current foreign policy of Turkey in the Black Sea-Caspian region assumes the preservation of the role of a mediator in the implementation of Western initiatives, taking into account its own interests. It is emphasized that mutually beneficial economic cooperation is the basis for all types of partnership. As a result of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that cooperation between Russia and Turkey within the framework of BSEC should contribute to the stable development of bilateral good-neighbourly relations. The author argues that BSEC can strengthen the stability and economic development of the countries of the Black Sea region.