Russian, Turkish diplomats discuss economic projects, situation in Mideast and Black Sea region

MOSCOW. Oct 15 (Interfax) - High-ranking Russian and Turkish diplomats have met for consultations in Moscow to discuss the implementation of strategic economic and energy projects and a number of regional agenda items, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Vershinin and Alexander Grushko met with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay on Monday, it said.

"The parties had a substantive exchange of opinions on key items of the Russian-Turkish agenda, including the implementation of strategic projects in the economy and energy sectors. They updated a schedule of upcoming contacts at the top and high levels," it said.

The diplomats "discussed relevant regional and international problems within the scope of the UN Security Council and General Assembly," it said.

"Special significance was attached to the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, as well as global food security, including the situation in the Black Sea area," it said.

They also "reviewed the current situation in the Balkans and emphasized the importance of efforts to ensure peace and stability in that region," the ministry said.