Putin visited Turkey at a sensitive moment.

Overseas Network, January 9th. As US-Iranian relations were strained, RussianPresident Putin arrived in Turkey on the 8th and witnessed the launch of amajor project of the "Turkish steam" natural gas pipeline withErdogan. Leaders of both sides call it a "model of internationalcooperation." When talking about Iran, the two heads of state opposedforeign interference and unilateral military action.

According to Russia's Rosat News Agency and Russia's News Agency, Putin andErdogan attended the opening ceremony of "Turkey Creek" in Istanbulon the 8th. Serbian President Vucic and Bulgarian Prime Minister Borisovalso participated in the event.

It is reported that Russia and Turkey signed the "Turkey Creek"pipeline agreement in October 2016, and officially started construction in May2017. The project is divided into submarine projects and landprojects. The onshore pipeline is divided into two, one connectingTurkey's local natural gas network and the other extending to Europe. Whenthe pipeline is operating at full capacity, a total of 31.5 billion cubicmeters of natural gas can be delivered to Turkey and Europe each year.

At the opening ceremony, Putin said that despite the complex internationalsituation and some countries trying to prevent Russia and Turkey from expandingmutually beneficial cooperation, the work of the two sides has continuedwithout being affected.

"We live in a difficult world. Unfortunately, the situation in our currentregion is deteriorating," Putin said. Russia Today said he wasreferring to ongoing tensions in Iran, Iraq and Syria. Subsequently, Putinchanged his tone, but Turkey and Russia are showing a completely differentfeat, which is a model of mutually beneficial cooperation between the peoplesof the two countries, the European people and the people of the world.

Erdogan said at the ceremony: "Turkey's demand for natural gas continuesto grow. Russia is Turkey's main supplier. We have imported 400 billion cubicmeters of natural gas from Russia. Russia and Turkey have cooperated verysuccessfully in the energy field. We A series of new projects will continue tobe implemented. "

Russian news agency reported that Putin and Erdogan also held bilateral talkson the same day. Erdogan believes that the region is going through adifficult period. "The relationship between the United States andIran has reached a level of concern to us. We do not want our region to be amilitary conflict zone."

Erdogan said that Ankara is taking measures based on a "tight diplomatictimetable" to ease regional tensions and achieve peace. "Wecontinue to hold talks with all parties and will not make our region bloodshed.Turkey and Russia have maintained a dialogue in this regard."

Russian and Turkish leaders also issued a joint statement pledged to resolutelydefend Libya's sovereignty and independence Territorial integrity and nationalunity. The two sides mentioned Iran in a joint statement. The twocountries oppose foreign interference and unilateral military actions that areobliged to ease regional tensions, and call on all parties to exerciserestraint and rationality and give priority to diplomatic means.

Author: Zhang Qi

(original title: Putin's visit to Turkey at a sensitive time to do thisimportant event)