Gul eyes deeper ties with Russia, Central Asia

President Abdullah Gul, frustrated by artificial barriers to the country's long-held ambition of joining the European Union, is building closer ties with Russia and Central Asian states, where Turkish business is flourishing. Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Gul said EU accession remains a priority and that Turkey will play a key role in future energy supplies to Europe. Gul said Turkey is also playing an increasing role in ex-Soviet states. Closer ties between Ankara and Moscow have led to progress in resolving the decades-old conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, Gul said. Turkey is also preparing to invest in Kyrgyzstan . "This will be mainly economic and financial assistance. We're also carrying out various training programs," Gul added. Gul said the Turkic Cooperation Council, a new body of Turkic nations, will help strengthen ties with Central Asia , where Turkish firms are among the most active investors, adding that despite different dialects, they speak the same language, and have the same culture and faith. On energy, Gul said Turkey will play a crucial role in new energy supply routes to Europe .