Payman Yazdani, of Mehr News International Service asked Mr. Osman Faruk Loğoğlu about the recent warming of NATO and Russian relations. Mr. Loğoğlu believed that drastic changes in the view by NATO of Russia stem from the need the EU and NATO felt to have the cooperation of Russia in international arena, notably in fighting ISIL, ending Syrian crisis, and no less important EU energy issues which had been under the shadow of EU-Russia tensions.
While NATO and Russia cooperation stopped after developments in Eastern Ukraine, Recently NATO secretary general said this alliance is going to resume joint meetings with Russia. Why the NATO has decided to resume the cooperation?
The reason why there is a general warming up by NATO and Europe toward Russia is the realization that to have Russia as a partner is better than to have Russia as an adversary. This recent change of heart has come about mostly as a result of the need to have Russia's cooperation: a) to fight the ISIL threat, b) to end the Syrian conflict, c) to secure the flow of gas, and d) to stem the spiraling of tensions. Putin is playing smart politics. Nonetheless it is in the interest of all that Russia and the West are on good terms with each other.
The normalization of relations between NATO and Russia should have a positive effect on Turkish-Russian relations. I understand there are already contacts between Turkish and Russian authorities with a view to mending their relations. Both need each other.
Fighting terrorism is a function that calls on the capabilities and competences of all organizations and institutions. While it is not uniquely or specifically designed as an anti-terrorist organization, NATO's intelligence and military capabilities can and must be effectively utilized in preventing and in countering terrorist attacks.
Interview by: Payman Yazdani
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