Turkish-Russia partnership in Libya likely to be to Moscow’s advantage
Analysts say any Turkish-Russian “partnership” in Libya could end up working more to Moscow’s advantage than Ankara’s, as was the case in Syria.
Turkey’s burgeoning economic ties with Russia were on parade again during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Istanbul on Jan. 8 to launch the TurkStream natural gas pipeline connecting the two countries.
This was Putin’s first meeting of the year with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two met no less than six times in 2019, underscoring the close relationship they have established.
Notwithstanding the economic dimension, which both sides clearly value, Putin’s visit was significant because of the latest developments in Syria and Libya.
Erdogan’s talks with Putin were also held under the dark shadow cast by the assassination of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani by the United States.
