Russian President Vladimir Putin, before meeting his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan today in the Russian resort of Sochi, stated that "our meetings with Erdogan do not always proceed smoothly; however, our institutions can find common ground," noting that "peace in Syria is contingent on Turkish-Syrian relations."
Putin added that "Russia and Turkey successfully cooperate on the international stage, including matters related to Libya and Syria." He observed that "negotiations with Turkey can be challenging at times, but they always end with a positive outcome... We have learned to find compromises between us."
In another context, he considered that "Turkey's influence on the situation in Karabakh (disputed between Azerbaijan and Armenia) enhances reconciliation in the region." He also thanked Erdogan for his stance on the construction of the Nord Stream gas pipeline from Russia to Europe.
He continued: "Russian-Turkish relations have developed positively," adding that "bilateral relations are gradually improving in the tourism sector after the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected tourism development between the two countries."
Putin noted that "work is progressing positively between the two countries in combating the pandemic," adding that "fighting COVID-19 will contribute to economic recovery."
For his part, Erdogan stated that "peace in the Middle East depends on the development of relations between Turkey and Russia." Before the meeting with Putin, Erdogan said, "We will discuss during the meeting our steps in the field of defense industries," adding that "within a year, the Akkuyu nuclear power plant may be inaugurated in Turkey."
