Turkey's ambassador to Moscow Hüseyin Diriöz said that collaboration between Turkey and Russia with regard to the Syrian issue is proceeding in a constructive way.

Diriöz offered an evaluation of Turkish-Russian relations to Anadolu Agency ahead of the meeting between President Recep Tayyıp Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which is scheduled to take place in Sochi on May 3.

Diriöz said that the common goal of Russia and Turkey with regard to the Syrian crisis is to put an end to armed hostilities, to extend ceasefires and to fight terrorism together.

The Turkish ambassador also passed on information regarding the impending meeting in Sochi, stating that the Astana diplomatic process with regard to Syria and topics pertaining to regional cooperation would be addressed. "The relations in the areas of economy, trade, energy, tourism and human relations will be assessed. Additionally, our efforts regarding work permits and restrictions in the business world continue," Diriöz added.

Diriöz expects Turkish-Russian relations to gain momentum from the Sochi meeting and to lead to palpable developments in the areas of economy and trade soon. He stressed that both sides should work to develop the necessary bilateral relations.

He added that Turkey aims to not just restore relations with Russia, but to further strengthen them in all areas.