YEREVAN, OCTOBER 11, ARMENPRESS. Turkey will not cross the line in relations with Russia, Director of the NAS Institute of Oriental Studies, expert on Turkish studies Ruben Safrastyan said commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Turkey and the normalization process of the Russian-Turkish relations, reports “Armenpress”.

“The two countries belong to different military-political alliances. Turkey and the US are military allies within NATO, whereas US-Russia relations are escalated in the military-political field. Thus, Turkey will not cross the line in relations with Russia”, Ruben Safrastyan said.

He said the two countries seek to restore the previous level of economic relations. He attached importance to the “Turkish Stream” gas pipeline agreement. Safrastyan said if it is implemented, Turkey will strengthen its position serving as a gas supply center.

The heads of two states discussed also political issues, in particular the Syrian issue. The sides agreed to continue efforts on supporting people of Aleppo.

“This is important since Turkey actually doesn’t join the West which criticizes Russia’s policy on this issue. Moreover, the Turkish troops’ operations in Syria were discussed”, he said.

The heads of two states agreed to hold deeper talks on Syria. They are trying to establish a base in Syria for joint actions.

“As we know, the two states have opposing stances on certain issues, in particular, over Assad, but there was no talk about him. Turkey and Russia are trying to put aside the opposing stances. This is in the interests of both, Turkey receives an opportunity to continue operations in Syria’s north. Russia gives importance to the fact that its actions are not being criticized by a state which is a part of NATO military-political alliance and is Syria’s neighboring country”, Ruben Safrastyan said.