26 Jul 2018 21:01

Russian-Turkish relations on the rise, especially in sphere of overcoming Syrian crisis - Putin

JOHANNESBURG. July 26 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have confirmed that relations between the two countries are on the rise.

"Our bilateral relations are on the rise. This is absolutely clear both in the sphere of overcoming crises, I mean the Syrian crisis, and in the economic sphere. All our large projects are implemented according to the schedule," Putin said at a meeting with Erdogan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in South Africa's Johannesburg on Thursday.

Putin noted that he was glad to have a meeting with Erdogan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. "I am very glad to see you and compare notes on our joint work," he said.

The two presidents noted that bilateral trade was growing and that cooperation in many spheres was developing.

"Our bilateral relations are developing very fast between our countries, Turkey and Russia, in all spheres, including both the military sphere and the trade, cultural and tourist spheres, so to say in all spheres," Erdogan said.

Erdogan said he was certain that all the set tasks to increase bilateral trade will be accomplished and the number of tourists coming from Russia to Turkey will grow.

"I think that thus year about six million Russian tourists will visit our country this year," he said.