Turkey's Influence In Central Asia Discussed In Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Zeyno Baran, an expert of the American think-tank organization Hudson Institute, said Monday Turkey is trying to increase its influence over Central Asia.
"Turkey's closer relations with Russia and Iran may cause a problem," Baran noted.
A meeting titled "Does Turkey have a future in Central Asia and the Caucasus?" was held at Washington's Johns Hopkins University on Monday.
One of the speakers at the meeting, Baran indicated that Turkish President Abdullah Gul's recent trip to Azerbaijan was a success. "Gul's visit could be interpreted as Turkey's intention to increase its influence over the region. Turkey's initiative to increase its influence over the region makes us ask if Turkey is acting alone or with the United States or with Russia," Baran stressed.
"The countries in Central Asia want to learn in which direction Turkey is headed," Baran told.
Baran underlined that Turkey wants to act alone as an independent country but it would be hard for Turkey to assume such a role both in the Middle East and in Central Asia.
"Turkey may succeed in the Middle East. However, in Central Asia, there are powers like China, Russia and Iran," Baran underscored.
Baran pointed out that Abdullah Gul is currently making preparations to visit other Central Asian republics.
"Turkey wants to be an energy corridor carrying Central Asian energy to Europe. However, there are other countries like Romania, Greece, Bulgaria and Ukraine that want to assume similar roles," Baran noted.
Baran argued that Turkey should be involved in energy cooperation with Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. "The issue of Iran is getting more complex. If international sanctions are applied against Iran, Turkey may find itself in an odd position in its ties with Iran. A Turkey that does not work with the U.S. in the region would be less attractive for Central Asian republics," Baran said.
"It is important for the Central Asian republics to find out if Turkey would prefer closer relations with Iran and Russia or preserve its stance on the European Union," Baran stated.
Meanwhile, Research Director of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Svante Cornell indicated that if Turkey gets closer to Russia, it would be placed in the category of isolated countries.
Cornell added that Russia is not interested in an equal partnership with Turkey. "Relations between Turkey and Russia are at its peak. It will only go down from now on."