Putin says situation in Middle East, Syrian settlement were in focus of his talks with Erdogan

ANKARA, December 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday his talks with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, focused primarily on the situation in the Middle East that has deteriorated dramatically and on the Syrian settlement. "Naturally, the focus was made on the situation in the Middle East settlement that has deteriorated dramatically and on the Syrian affairs where our countries are closely cooperating," he told journalists after the talks. Putin said he was satisfied with his talks with Erdogan whom he called a "friend." "The talks were held in a businesslike and constructive atmosphere," he said, adding that in focus had been "key issues of bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of strategic trade-and-economic and military technical projects." He also said he and his Turkish counterpart had "exchanged views on topical issues of the regional and international agenda." Read more