Today’s meeting is of huge importance in terms of the future of Russia-Turkey relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a press conference held following his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Saint Petersburg.

Putin said they had constructive talk with Erdogan regarding international and bilateral relations.

“Our relations had worsened after the downing of a Russian warplane last year. However, mutual respect for the fate of our relations proved successful. The president paid a visit to Saint Petersburg at a time of troubled political situation in Turkey, demonstrating willingness to normalize bilateral relations, a process that has already begun. But it needs some time. We came to agreement as to working on main mechanisms of relations. The issue of cooperation on energy, metallurgy, agriculture, tourism, and other areas were discussed. We made the decision of restoring Russian tourist visits to Turkey in June, but it needs time. The Turkish government has to provide maximum security for our citizens. We have been given such assurance. The air line was restored in late June. Restoration of charter flights is a technical issue which also needs time. Countering terrorism too is one of the main directions of our relations. There are all the conditions necessary for full restoration of our relations. Russia is ready for this,” said Putin.

In a following speech, Turkish President Erdogan said both countries are determined to bring bilateral relations to a high level, adding that they have the will to do that.

“We reached an agreement on bringing bilateral relations in the political, economic, cultural, and global areas to the necessary level. We will take steps towards a full visa-free regime. Another issue that we discussed is about giving strategic investment status to Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Negotiations in this regard are ongoing and a relevant decision will be made. We also discussed the Turkish stream project. Turkey buys 28 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia per year. 18 billion cubic meters of it are bought by the state and the remaining by the private sector. Turkey is interested to realize the Turkish stream project. We plan to deliver Russian gas to Europe via Turkish stream,” Erdogan said.

The presidents also noted that they will discuss the Syria issue at a meeting to take place following the press conference.

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The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is underway in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Foreign ministers Mevlut Cavusoglu (Turkey) and Sergey Lavrov (Russia) too are present at the meeting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that it is the first visit since Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane in November 2015, which brought bilateral ties to the lowest level.

“The visit that you have made to Russia in these troubled days for Turkey shows that both countries are seeking to normalize bilateral relations, which meet the interests of both peoples,” he noted.

Putin added that the private and wide meetings will focus on discussion of trade relations and countering terrorism.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his visit has taken place shortly after the failed coup attempt in his country, noting that bilateral relations are going through a positive stage.

“The steps that we have taken and will take will lead us to a wider stage. There are a number of themes on bilateral relations on the table. There are expectations as to our position on some regional issues. Our cooperation will help solve a number of problems in the region,” Erdogan said.,

The meeting will continue in private and extended formats.

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