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“Europe continues the process of ‘shaping’ Turkey,” Director of Oriental Studies Institute of the National Academy of Sciences, turkologist Ruben Safrastyan expressed such an opinion during today’s press conference turning to the anti- Erdoğan movement emerged in Europe.

“Turkey, especially during the ruling of Erdoğan, makes such steps and announcements that are not accepted in the European diplomatic practice, which, certainly, frustrates the European society. I would refrain from commenting on the current stage of the detachment in Turkey-EU relations. When observing the integration processes, we see that there are negative phenomena, the European society dislikes many things and they speak them out taking certain steps that we all witness,” Safrastyan said.

In his words, the deteriorated relations with Europe will allow Turkey to use the fact in its relations with Russia. “This is the essence of Turkey’s century-old diplomacy,” he added.

Speaking about the impact of those relations on Armenia, the politician noted that Russia will have certain restrictions in establishing closer relations with Turkey.

“Those relations will face a certain limit, as Turkey is a member of NATO, and the later has adopted a tougher stance on Russia. The interests of these states in the region not only do not coincide in terms of strategy, but also contradict each other. Currently Russia manages to maintain a high position due to the fact of possessing weapons. And it managed to strengthen its position in Syria through the application of arms. This means that the importance of Armenia as a country, where a Russian military base is deployed and which also effects the Middle East, significantly increases,” the turkologist said.

He added that Armenia needs to continue devoting its relations with Russia, as it is imposed by geopolitical developments.