Turkey Downplays Russian Trade Dispute; Medvedev Praises EU - by Mark Bentley
Turkey sought to play down a trade dispute with Russia, refusing to condemn its invasion of Georgia, as Russian President Dimitry Medvedev praised the European Union for declining to push for sanctions. Turkey, a NATO member, is determined to strengthen economic ties with Russia as it negotiates an end to Russian curbs on its exports, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said at a news conference in Istanbul today with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Babacan's comments followed the European Union's decision yesterday to take the symbolic step of suspending talks over expanded trade ties with Russia over the invasion of Georgia. EU leaders balked at imposing sanctions on Russia, acknowledging the 27-nation bloc's dependence on Russian oil and gas.``Russia is not only a neighbor and friend, at the same time it is a leading partner in energy and trade,'' Babacan said. ``We are also observing with pride the success of Turkish businessmen in the Russian Federation.''
Turkey, like the EU, relies on Russian energy to power its homes and businesses. Russia is the main supplier of gas to Turkey and is the country's largest trading partner.
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