Ambassador Vershinin: 1920s cooperation laid foundation for Russia-Türkiye ties

Russia’s ambassador to Türkiye, Sergey Vershinin, recalled Soviet Russia’s assistance to Ankara in the 1920s in an interview marking Republic Day and called Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant a worthy continuation of the industrial cooperation of that period.

Russia’s ambassador to Türkiye, Sergey Vershinin, said in an interview with Sputnik radio marking the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye that cooperation launched in 1920 laid the foundation for the two countries’ current relations.

The diplomat recalled that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk sent a letter to Soviet Russia in April 1920 requesting assistance and an alliance, and that the Treaty of Friendship and Brotherhood was signed in Moscow on March 16, 1921. Vershinin said Soviet Russia was the first major power to recognize the government in Ankara.

The ambassador also spoke about the military assistance provided at the time. He said Soviet weapons accounted for 25–30% of the supplies received by Ankara, while military specialists contributed to the struggle for independence. He mentioned the role of Soviet envoy Semyon Aralov during the Battle of Dumlupınar.

Сергей Вершинин (архив, 2019 год)

Vershinin also recalled the interest-free 20-year industrial loan granted to Türkiye in 1934. He said the debt was repaid mainly with agricultural and textile raw materials, and that the funds were used to build factories in Kayseri and Nazilli, as well as the first Şişecam glass plant in Paşabahçe.

Speaking about current relations, the ambassador said they are based on mutual respect and sovereignty. He identified energy, trade, tourism and regional issues as the main areas of cooperation, and described Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant as a worthy continuation of the industrial projects of the past.

Vershinin said he had visited in Konya the house where Atatürk had stayed, and that a small monument featuring a cannon from Russia would be opened in Kalecik. In closing, he quoted Atatürk’s words, “Peace at home, peace in the world,” and wished the Turkish people peace and prosperity.

Ambassador Vershinin: 1920s cooperation laid foundation for Russia-Türkiye ties