Peskov said Moscow’s relations with Ankara were an "example showing that partner relations can and must be built even with NATO countries."

Turkey-Russia cooperation has grown in recent years as highlighted by Ankara’s controversial decision to purchase the Russian-made S-400 missile system against the strong objections of its NATO allies.

However, Turkey’s backing of Ukraine in its latest bout of tensions with Russia, providing the Ukrainian military with armed drones that have proven particularly effective against Russian-backed forces in the region, has prompted rebuke from Moscow.

The Kremlin spokesman also expressed hope that Russia’s relations with NATO nations was "not that bad," according to TASS.

Relations with Turkey are very important in the context of ensuring regional security, Peskov said.

"These relations are rather stabilizing for our region,’’ he said, adding, "NATO is just NATO. It is a bloc that was established for confrontation.’’

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