ArmInfo. The economic expansion of Turkey to Georgia in recent years has intensified its own political and very often religious component. professor of philosophy department of Batumi State University Giorgi Masalkin expressed this opinion to ArmInfo.
"Ankara does have a very significant economic impact on Georgia, which is most clearly manifested in Adjaria, I can say that the departure from Ataturk's ideas, which is observed in Turkey, accompanied by the strengthening of Erdogan's power and persecution of the opposition, only strengthens all the above mentioned processes," he said.
Masalkin in this connection recalled the Treaty of Kars of 1921, according to which in case of military invasion of other states, Turkey has the right to send troops into Adjara. According to him, during the visit to Moscow after the August 8, 08 war, Erdogan offered the Russian Federation to divide Georgia by seizing Adjaria.
"Fortunately, for various reasons this did not happen, however, the sediment still remains, and today, as a result of Turkish expansion, Georgia is in a rather difficult situation." Unfortunately, the foreign policy actions of our leadership are distinguished by the absence of a strategic vision, a clear, long-term planning, characterized by situational relations with all neighbors," the expert believes.
Masalkin explains Tbilisi's passivity with regard to Ankara's activity as Turkey's membership in NATO, where Georgia continues to strive. According to him, within the framework of cooperation with the Alliance, the Georgian military is actively re-trained in Turkish military high schools. Moreover, Georgia is gradually beginning to buy arms from Turkey. And, finally, Turkey is the main trading partner and investor of Georgia.
In this light, the expert characterizes the situation of Georgia as delicate, considering that in such conditions, Tbilisi requires a great deal of skill to maintain a balance in relations with its neighbors. However, in his opinion, despite all mistakes, the Georgian authorities are still managing this task as a whole.