"Economic relations were the main steering power of the bilateral relations in general," Yakis said. "The normalization (rather than restoration) of economic ties is very important because it will help lay the ground for more stable relations in other fields."
He pointed out that economic relations between the two neighbors had always been "less controversial." "Therefore the leaders did the right thing by focusing primarily on the economic relations," the former foreign policy chief said.
Tuesday’s meeting opened a new page in their relationship, according to Turkey, restarting the Akkuyu nuclear plant and the Turkish Stream pipeline projects.
"The normalization of the relations will definitely contribute to the promotion of the peace and stability in the region [Middle East], because Turkey and Russia are two important players in the region. If they cooperate for the promotion of the peace and stability, the chances of success will be bigger," Yakis said.
Relations between Moscow and Ankara hit rock bottom last November after a Turkish jet shot down a Russian plane on the Syrian border. The ties between two countries ties started warming up again after the Turkish president offered his condolences to the family of the slain Russian pilot in June.
