Putin, Erdogan to discuss bilateral relations, Syria, anti-terror - Erdogan's spokesman

ANKARA, August 4. /TASS/. President of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will focus on bilateral relations, the Syria crisis and fight against terrorism at their talks in St. Petersburg, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said in an exclusive interview with TASS on Thursday. "On August 9, the leaders will discuss at the talks, first, bilateral relations, the Syria crisis and fight against terrorism, along with other regional issues," Kalin said. "We are living in the times when national and regional themes are coming up to a global level. In other words, national, regional or global issues are nearly impossible to be delimited. I can say the August 9 talks will be held in this manner." Speaking about joint projects of Russia and Turkey, Kalin said Ankara "will continue close cooperation with Russia in all aspects and will work on new projects." "It is crucial that joint steps in these spheres would be taken in both countries’ interests and that solutions to regional and global crises could be found," he went on to say. Russia is engaged in construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey’s south. Talks are underway on construction of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline via the Turkish territory. Talks on payments in national currencies for individuals and enterprises are planned to be held soon. Before the crisis in the two countries’ relations over the Russian Su-24 warplane downed by Turkey on November 24, 2015, the trade had amounted to $34bln. Read more