Our friendship is the envy of others, Erdogan tells Putin

Turkish president, Recip Tayip Erdogan and Russian president Vladimir Putin met in Johannesburg on Thursday on the margins of the summit of the BRICS nations.

Speaking to journalists before the start of the meeting, Putin congratulated Erdogan on his recent "domestic political victories". Highlighting the good state of relations Putin said that last year trade between the two countries increased by 40.5 percent and now stands at $22 billion. "In the first five months of this year it increased by another 46 percent. We are carrying out all of our major projects according to plan", added the Russian president.

On his part President Erdogan said relations between the two countries were developing very quickly across the board in the military, trade, cultural and tourism areas. "Our countries have set targets for trade, and I think we will reach them because we wholeheartedly believe in it. Our tourism sector is doing well. I think that this year about 6 million Russian tourists will visit our country", said the Turkish president.

"On the other hand we are seeing that our cooperation is causing envy from others" Erdogan told the Russian president.

After this public exchange the two presidents held a 75 minute meeting in which issues related to Syria, Iran and bilateral relations were discussed.

source: commonspace.eu with agencies

photo: The meeting between the presidents of Russia and Turkey and their delegations in Johannesburg on 26 July 2018 (picture courtesy of the press service of the president of Russia

 

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.  

Popular

Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.