Russian-Turkish relations very rich despite differences, says Lavrov

Russian-Turkish relations are very rich, both in terms of contacts at the highest level and their substantive agenda, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on March 31. 

Speaking at a meeting of the Moscow-based think tank Valdai Discussion Club, Lavrov said the two countries are able to bring out solutions, even on issues on which the parties have almost opposite views.

Sometimes, the agreements are implemented slower than expected. However, Turkey does not give up undertaken responsibilities, he said.

"In principle, Russian-Turkish relations are very rich ... sometimes the positions differ quite seriously, but we value our relations because we can always find solutions with our Turkish colleagues that suit both sides," the minister said.

Citing the situation in Idlib as an example he said the Turkish side "meets all its obligations," including the separation of the armed opposition in the Idlib de-escalation zone and liberation of the M4 highway.

Lavrov said the U.S. presence in Syria is illegal, and Washington encourages separatism in the country by funding "certain Kurdish organizations," some of which do not hide their ties with the PKK terror group.

"The US exploits the hydrocarbons and grain that is produced in Syria. They sell and pay for the separatist actions of some Kurdish organizations at this expense, and block dialogue between Kurds and Damascus," he said.

He also accused the U.S. of using the ISIL terror group to hinder settlement in Syria.

"ISIL [Daesh], let's not forget, was created by the U.S. when they committed aggression against Iraq, and there they did such things that a huge number of countries still deal with. ISIL was created after the Ba'ath party, all security forces were...