Kremlin: Putin, Turkish PM discuss Syria, bilateral issues

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday to discuss the situation in the region, particularly in Syria. “The leaders exchanged views on the regional situation, primarily in Syria and around it,” the Kremlin press service reported. “Putin and Erdogan expressed readiness to coordinate the efforts aimed at achieving the political settlement of the crisis,” the press service said. The conversation, which was held on Turkey’s initiative, focused on key bilateral issues: the leaders of both countries agreed to implement the agreements reached at the third session of the High-Level Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council in Istanbul in December 2012 and prepare the regular session of the Council due to take place in Russia till the yearend, the press service said. “Both parties praised multifaceted Russian-Turkish cooperation, including in the energy sector,” the press service said. Putin and Erdogan also agreed to maintain regular contacts, the press service added.