The Kremlin: Erdogan is a strong political leader and Turkey is a major regional power

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Turkey is a major regional power, and that its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a great and strong political leader, noting that Ankara has the luxury to defend its interests.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a great and powerful political leader and that Turkey is a major regional power.

This came in an interview with Belarusian state TV, during which he touched upon the relations between Turkey and Russia within the framework of the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.

"Turkey is a major regional power, and our relations with it are excellent," Peskov said, adding, "We are pleased that Erdogan has found the strength to defend and pursue his country's interests."

And he added: "There are different points of view in the relations between the two countries so that they cannot fully understand each other on some issues."

"But despite that, the partnership relationship based on mutual interests prevails between the two countries, and therefore we were able to develop huge economic projects," he added.

He continued, "Turkey has always been a big enough regional power and has been a member of (NATO) for many years, yet Turkey has become the most sovereign country among NATO members, especially during Erdogan's presidency, and this country has the luxury of defending its interests."

He pointed out that Turkey says today to NATO and the United States, "We will not participate in the sanctions against Russia, and we will not burn bridges of communication with it because we need it."

He stressed that the continuation of dialogue between Turkey and Russia is of great importance to the economic relations between the two countries.

He pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries in the tourism and energy sector is advanced, adding, "We have a good perspective with Turkey, and we are happy that Erdogan has the strength to defend and pursue his own interests and the interests of his country, and that he is not within the mainstream (such as Europe)."

And he added, "As you know, now all Europeans are in the mainstream, but at their own expense, they are spending and Washington is making money, Europe is shooting itself because of its discontent with Russia."