BY GUNTAY SIMSEK
SABAH- The last two years have seen changes in Turkish foreign policy. These changes have been little noticed inside the country, but countries in the region where the Ottomans once ruled are feeling their influence and are even pleased about it. Despite some small crises between Turkey and Israel, both Israel and Palestine favor Turkey’s solution proposals more than those of any other country. Many of our Cabinet ministers have been tasked with improving Ankara’s relations with other countries. That doesn’t mean only Israel and Palestine, but also Turkey’s relations with its surrounding neighbors and other countries it’s in contact with.
Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim will soon go to Ethiopia for a one-week official visit. Trade relations between the two countries will be discussed, and economic meetings held. At the same time Russian President Vladimir Putin will receive Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Moscow. Erdogan’s visit to Moscow along with more than 500 Turkish businessmen will be very fruitful. Russia will become Turkey’s most important ally in the region. Transportation, energy and tourist relations will be improved, and investment and cooperation in military areas will spike if the dialogue is good.