Lavrov says in some areas Russian-Turkish cooperation 'genuinely strategic'

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Russian-Turkish cooperation in some areas has a "genuinely strategic character."

In general, relations between Russia and Türkiye continue to develop dynamically, with an intensive political dialogue progressing, economic indicators growing multiple times, and cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere expanding, Lavrov said in a video message played before participants of the international round table Russia-Türkiye: Role of media in strengthening cooperation."

"I would like to emphasize that the principles of equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect, and balance of interests are at the heart of the bilateral partnership. A great role in strengthening trust and mutual understanding between the two peoples belongs to the mass media and communications," he said.

The top Russian diplomat noted that in the current international situation, creating and maintaining a favorable information context is particularly in demand.

"It is important that the journalistic community of Russia and Türkiye take a constructive and responsible position, be guided by the norms of professional ethics, and proceed from the statements of official representatives of Moscow and Ankara," he added.

The ongoing expansion of Russian-Turkish media relations aligns with both countries' shared interests, fostering deeper bilateral dialogue. Moscow actively promotes direct engagement and practical collaboration through leading media outlets, the minister asserted.

"We highly appreciate the results of the second media forum of Russian compatriots held in Istanbul a few days ago. It was attended by Russian-language foreign media from about 30 countries, leading domestic media broadcasters, as well as media experts," he said.

The minister emphasized that the current focus is on coordinating media efforts between the two nations to address shared information challenges.

The development of an interaction algorithm to counteract the consequences of misinformation spread by adversaries has become a top priority, he said.

"In conclusion, I would like to assure you that the Russian Foreign Ministry will continue to provide maximum assistance to journalists of the Turkish press accredited in our country. We hope for a similar attitude of the Turkish authorities to representatives of our mass media," he said.

- Photo exhibition dedicated to Russia, Türkiye cooperation

The leading Russian state news agency TASS opened on Thursday a photo exhibition dedicated to the cooperation between Russia and Türkiye.

The exhibition, which featured photographs of the agency's photojournalists, was inaugurated by TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, senior lawmaker Grigory Karasin, as well as chairman of the World Council of Journalists, CEO of DIM TV channel, and Yeni Alanya newspaper Mehmet Ali Dim attended the opening ceremony.

The exhibition showcases a captivating collection of two dozen historical and contemporary photographs that vividly depict the diverse facets of the enduring dialogue between the two nations.