"Erdogan's Moscow Visit: Turkey's Return to Russia
EU's decision to start membership talks with Turkey is not enough for Turkey. After the December 17 Summit, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and his ministers visited first Syria, Israel and Palestine. Turkey increased its role in the Middle East. Then Ankara moved on its northern Black Sea neigbour Russian Federation. Turkish experts say Turkey aims to be a European, Middle Eastern and Black Sean power instead of a 'small European power'. Dr. Sedat Laciner from International Strategic Research Organization, Ankara-based think tank, says 'All these efforts could be seen as Turkey's return to the region. Developments in Turkey EU relations boost Turkey's credibility in the region'. According to Laciner 'Russia is one of the important steps in Turkey's return to Middle east, Balkans, caucasus and the Black Sea'. 'The latest step will be Central Asia and the Turkic world' added Dr. Laciner."
More:The Journal of Turkish Weekly
