Russia and Turkey have similar stance on Syria, Russian FM says

MOSCOW (A.A) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that Russia and Turkey had similar stance on Syria. The two countries also had almost same position regarding Iran, Lavrov said at a press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu after the second meeting of Joint Strategic Planning Group in Moscow. Replying to a question on Syria, Lavrov said Russia wanted bloodshed to end there, stating that they were in favor of a peaceful solution to Syrian crisis through political means. Lavrov said they were against an external military intervention in Syria. Russia would keep seeking a solution in Syria with its foreign partners and all parties in Syria, he said. Responding another question, Lavrov said they were open to all offers for end of bloodshed in Syria. Russia would not allow unilateral sanctions on Syria, because decisions on these sanctions were made without consulting Russia, China or other countries, he said. Lavrov also said that resolution of Security Council should not be regarded as a permission for external intervention. Russia and Turkey had almost same position on Iran and Russia wanted this issue to be solved through diplomatic means, he said. Russia was in favor of (nuclear) talks to be held in Turkey, he said. Russian foreign minister said they held the second meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group today, stating that Russia and Turkey were holding such meetings to converge on their positions.  Lavrov said trade volume between Turkey and Russia would increase remarkably in 2012. Touching on the tourism sector, he said 3.6 million Russian tourists visited Turkey last year.