Turkey, land of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia

Turkey, host of discussions between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations on Tuesday, March 29, is close to both camps. “On March 10 in Antalya, Turkey hosted a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers. But that came to nothing. We will now have to see what these new negotiations can give in Istanbul”, explains Anne Andlauer, correspondent for Radio France in Turkey and author of the book “Erdogan’s Turkey”. Being on good terms with all parties is one of the strengths of the Turkish president: “It’s something that Turkey was putting forward when there was no question of war yet. Erdogan had proposed to organize a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents. Turkey is a member of NATO but has close relations with Ukraine and Russia“.

A way perhaps to redo a “diplomatic showcase” for Erdogan who has had moments of tension with Emmanuel Macron lately. “For years, (comma) Turkey has presented itself as a key player on the international scene and claims to be able to play a role of mediator in various conflicts. Today, (comma) it is trying to restore its image by proving that it may be this interlocutor capable of bringing the two camps into dialogue”concludes Anne Andlauer.