Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a telephone conversation on Thursday in which they exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional issues centered on the crisis in Syria. Prime Minister Erdoğan drew attention to the fact that the humanitarian crisis in Syria continues to escalate and emphasized that it is now time to take concrete steps aimed at reaching a solution.
According to information obtained from Prime Ministry sources, Erdoğan and Putin exchanged views on the impending Geneva II meeting to be held in an effort to seek a political solution to the situation in Syria. Russian President Putin expressed the high importance he places on the Geneva II meeting, while Prime Minister Erdoğan also pledged Turkey's support, while adding that it is now time for the international community to take on the responsibility that befalls them in this situation.
Prime Minister Erdoğan drew attention to the fact that the humanitarian crisis in Syria continues to escalate and emphasized that it is now time to take concrete steps aimed at reaching a solution.
The two leaders also discussed current bilateral cooperation issues, including the implementation of the agreements reached at the third meeting of the High-Level Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council in Istanbul in December 2012 and the preparations for the next Council meeting to be held in Russia later this year.
According to the information obtained, during the 45-minute conversation the two leaders also shared views on the preparation for the G-20 summit to be held in St. Petersburg in September.