Russia’s President Vladimir Putin praised Turkey as a “reliable and time-tested partner” during a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, China.
Putin highlighted the “strategic” energy cooperation between the two countries and thanked Erdogan for his continued role in international diplomacy. “There will always be demand for Turkey’s special role in mediation efforts and diplomacy,” he said, referring specifically to efforts around the war in Ukraine.
Last week, Putin’s diplomatic adviser Yuri Ushakov said the two leaders would discuss the Ukraine conflict, emphasising Ankara’s “important role” as a mediator.
According to a statement from the Turkish presidency, Erdogan told Putin that Ankara is working towards a “fair and lasting peace” in Ukraine, noting that talks hosted in Istanbul contribute to broader peace efforts.
The two presidents also discussed bilateral relations, peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Israel’s attacks in Gaza, and developments in Syria, according to the same statement.
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