Why Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan need each other

lonely birthday for Vladimir Putin. Few important world leaders bothered to call or post greeting cards, though the president of Belarus did send him a tractor. But at least one man did not disappoint. On October 7th Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who continues to refer to Mr Putin as a “dear friend”, congratulated him on turning 70. Mr Putin for his part thanked the Turkish leader for his attempts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. The pair were due to meet in Kazakhstan on October 13th, only two days after a murderous Russian drone and missile barrage in Ukraine.The war was expected to test the relationship between Turkey, a member, and Russia, the biggest threat to the alliance. But in fact it has emerged stronger. For years Turkey had been Russia’s most trusted partner inside . Now the war has further increased its importance. For Russia, considered a pariah in much of the West, Turkey has become a safe harbour, the only country in Europe to welcome Russian business, and Russia’s dictator, with open arms. For Turkey Russia has become a more valuable trading partner and a source of cash. Mr Putin needs Turkey’s help to salvage what is left of his legitimacy on the world stage. Mr Erdogan, who faces elections next year, may need Russia’s help to hold on to power.