Turkey proposes working group with Russia to normalise relations

Turkey has proposed establishing a working group with Russia in an attempt to normalise relations between the two countries, foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters on Monday.

Relations between the two regional powers have been tense since a Russian military plane was shot down by Turkish fighter jets near Turkey's border with Syria. Two Russian combatants were killed in the incident last November.

Cavusoglu was responding to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who told reporters in Athens last week that he wanted to resume the relationship, but was waiting for some concrete steps from Turkey. "We too want normalisation," said Cavusoglu, who said the working group can be informal or formal, depending on the wishes of the Russian side.

"We propose to establish a joint working group to be able to take these steps, "- he said The minister said that the working group." Can be formal or informal, as a wish to the Russian side. "

"Let its members discuss the current issues between each other and search for a solution. As a result, we will be able to find a common way towards normalization," the foreign minister said. "This is not an issue that cannot be solved."

In Athens, Putin also said that although Russia highly values the existing relationship with Turkey, "I still cannot understand why it was done [the attack on the Russian plane]."

Source: commonspace.eu 

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
Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday

Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday in an attempt to negotiate an end to a conflict that has lasted four days. Thailand said on Sunday a delegation led by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai would attend, after US President Donald Trump called the leaders of both countries on Saturday to press for an immediate ceasefire. The Thai government said it had been told by Malaysia that Cambodian Prime Minister Hum Manet would also attend. At least 33 soldiers and civilians have been killed while thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals have been displaced since border fighting broke out on 24 July.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday

Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday in an attempt to negotiate an end to a conflict that has lasted four days. Thailand said on Sunday a delegation led by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai would attend, after US President Donald Trump called the leaders of both countries on Saturday to press for an immediate ceasefire. The Thai government said it had been told by Malaysia that Cambodian Prime Minister Hum Manet would also attend. At least 33 soldiers and civilians have been killed while thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals have been displaced since border fighting broke out on 24 July.