But experts said Türkiye’s bid to join did not mean it will turn its back on the West, nor on Ukraine, whose top diplomat visited on Monday – let alone NATO.

Erdoğan and Putin will discuss in particular the possibility of creating a gas hub at the BRICS summit this week, TASS has reported, citing a statement of the press service of the Russian president.

The meeting is expected to take place on Oct. 23 on the sidelines of the summit.

The multi-aspect cooperation between Russia and Türkiye is developing dynamically in all the main areas and has a partnering and mutually beneficial nature, the Kremlin said.

«Efficient interaction was established with Turkish partners in the gas sphere. Blue Stream and TurkStream pipelines on the Black Sea bottom are functioning in a stable way,” the press service said.

«Heads of state will also consider the project of creating the international gas hub in the territory of Türkiye as part of the meeting in Kazan,” it added.