The two leaders exchanged views, in particular, on the situation in Ukraine following the recent presidential election. Mr Putin said he remains gravely concerned by the ongoing punitive operation the Kiev government is carrying out in the country’s southeast. The President said he hopes that Ukraine’s new leaders will end operations involving the use of force against the civilian population and will instead organise direct dialogue with regional representatives.
Mr Erdogan spoke highly of the measures Mr Putin has taken to improve the Crimean Tatars’ situation and ensure their full participation in Crimea’s society and political life. The two leaders agreed to remain in contact on these matters.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in Syria. Mr Putin and Mr Erdogan said that contacts with radical groups, especially groups linked to Al-Qaeda, are unacceptable, called for such groups to be neutralised, and said that Syria’s internal conflict can be resolved through political means alone.
Mr Putin and Mr Erdogan noted the strategic nature of the two countries’ successfully developing bilateral cooperation and paid particular attention to implementation of the two countries’ trade and economic agreements, including with regard to joint projects and energy sector cooperation.
The two leaders agreed to continue exchanging views on a regular basis.