Debate heats up as Russia might be granted access to Incirlik Airbase in Turkey

Debate heats up as Russia might be granted access to Incirlik Airbase in Turkey –

(Almasdar) – Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, hinted that Russia might be allowed to use Incirlik Airbase as a launching pad for its anti-ISIS aerial campaign. The remarks were made by the Turkish top diplomat during his interview with TRT Channel. “We will cooperate with everybody who is fighting Islamic State. Ankara has opened the Incirlik airbase to all those wishing to join the active fight”, he said

“Why not cooperate with Russia in the same manner? Turkey is ready for such cooperation. Terrorism is our common enemy. Joint efforts are important to avoid negative incidents [among sides fighting ISIS]”.

While the Icrilik Airbase is now being used by members of the US-led coalition, Russia conducts its airstrikes against the terror group from Hmeimim airbase in the Syrian coastal city of latakia.

Even though both countries share enmity to the world terror organization, they are on opposing side in the Syrian conflict.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no official talks have been so far held with Turkey on providing Russia with access to Incirlik Airbase. “I don’t know whether there have been any official communications on this score among the military and whether they have had time to resume them. If I’m not mistaken, they have not yet been resumed. We have heard this statement through the media. No doubt, this is an important statement and it has to be duly analyzed from the political and military standpoints, which will be done by our corresponding bodies,” the presidential spokesman said.

On July 1, Turkish FM met Russia’s Sergey Lavrov in the city of Suchi; the first high-ranking meeting since the deterioration of ties in November 2015