18 May 2020 17:40

Putin and Erdogan discuss anti-coronavirus measures, Idlib, escalation in Libya - Kremlin

MOSCOW. May 18 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have had a telephone conversation, the Kremlin press service said.

"The parties discussed the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in detail. They stressed the importance of further cooperation between the two countries' relevant agencies, including as concerns treatment methods and the development of vaccines. The head of the Russian state, in turn, thanked Turkish partners for their contribution to the return of Russian citizens to their home country from Turkey and for the humanitarian aid extended to a number of Russian regions," the press service said.

During the phone call, Putin and Erdogan also continued exchanging opinions on the situation in Syria, it said.

"They expressed their mutual willingness to intensify joint efforts to implement the Russian-Turkish agreements on the Idlib de-escalation area, including the Additional Protocol to the September 17, 2018 Sochi Memorandum that was adopted in Moscow on March 5 of this year," the press service said.

"The presidents of Russia and Turkey also voiced their concern over the escalation of fighting in Libya. They noted the need for the soonest possible resumption of an unconditional ceasefire and the intra-Libyan dialogue on the basis of the decisions of the Berlin international conference held on January 19 of this year, which were approved by UN Security Council Resolution 2510," it said.

Additionally, Putin and Erdogan discussed key aspects of the development of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, the press service said.

"They also agreed to continue regular dialogue at different levels," it said.