Dimensions Center organizes a seminar to discuss the Turkish balance policy between Russia and the West

On July 13, 2023, the Dimensions Center for Strategic Studies held a symposium on Twitter to discuss the Turkish balance policy between Russia and the West. A group of experts and political analysts specialized in Turkish and Russian affairs and international relations participated in the discussions.

The seminar was moderated by Firas Faham, a researcher at the center, with the participation of Turkish researcher Mehmet Rakib Oglu, head of the Academic Relations Unit at the Dimensions Center.

Muhannad Hafez Oglu, researcher in Turkish foreign policies; A. Hishamgonay Turkish, a journalist; A. Mahmoud Alloush, researcher in international relations; A. Taha Odeh Oglu, researcher in Turkish politics and international relations; Dr. Mahmoud Hamza, expert on Russian affairs and Mr. Hassan Al-Shaghel a researcher in economic and energy affairs.

The dialogue evolved around the recent developments in Turkish foreign policy, on top, receiving the President of Ukraine and emphasizing the need for Kiev to join NATO, Ankara’s agreement to refer Sweden’s request to join the NATO to the Turkish Parliament for ratification, and the extent of the impact of these steps on the balanced policy Turkey follows in Relations with Russia and the West.

The opinions of researchers and experts were largely intersected and in agreement that Turkey would not abandon the policy of balance between Russia and the West by virtue of its geographical location and intertwined relations. However; Turkey would remain keen on searching for a new economic opportunity with the various parties.

Moreover, the approval of the Turkish parliament on Sweden's accession to NATO would be linked to the extent of its response to Ankara's demands regarding ending relations with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its affiliates.

Furthermore, in his briefing, the expert on Russian affairs stressed Moscow's unreadiness and we unwillingness to lose its relationship with Turkey in light of Western pressures and sanctions on Russia.