Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who went to the Russian city of Sochi, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Official Residence of Putin. Saying that he was happy to meet in person after Covid-19, Erdogan thanked Russia for sending aid to the wildfires in Turkey and supporting tourism.

Erdogan stated that the trade volume between the two countries is in good condition, and that it should increase in the future.

He announced that the first unit of the construction of the Akkuyu NPP, which is being built with the support of Russia, will be opened next year. He added that he would not give up cooperation with Russia in the field of defense industry.

“It would be beneficial to continue the relations between Turkey and Russia” President Erdoğan said, “The steps we take together regarding Syria are also of great importance. The peace of that region also depends on Turkey-Russia relations.”