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Sergey Lavrov: â€œThe customs-related problems between Turkey and Russia have no political characterâ€

02 September 2008 15:16 (UTC +04:00)

Ankara â€“ APA. â€œCustoms-related problems between Turkey and Russia are of no political character,â€ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the press conference after meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, APA reports. He underlined that the relevant bodies of the two countries were having talks to eliminate customs-related problems.
â€œThe problem has no political character. As some countries do not accept Russiaâ€™s customs system, we have started applying new mechanisms in our customs system. This is the reason why the vehicles from Turkey were not allowed to cross checkpoint. Special measures were not taken against Turkey,â€ he said.
Ali Babacan said Turkey and Russia were two friendly countries and the main target of mutual relations was multi-field partnership.
â€œRussia is not only a friend and neighboring country, but also one of trade and energy partners of Turkey,â€ he said.
Ali Babacan said the situation in the Caucasus, regional problems like New East, Iraq and Iran had been discussed during the meeting. He said the main attention had been focused on the ongoing processes in the Caucasus.
â€œMaintenance of peace and stability in the Caucasus is of great importance for Turkey. Turkey supports solution of problems peacefully and through dialogue. We are anxiously following the processes in Georgia. Turkey attaches great importance to Georgiaâ€™s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,â€ Turkish Minister said.
Ali Babacan said he had reiterated the proposal on establishing Caucasus Stability Pact and Sergey Lavrov had welcomed the proposal.
â€œWe hope the relations between Turkey and Russia will develop in various spheres,â€ he said.