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Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,

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Today we held the sixth meeting of the High-Level 

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Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council.

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It was marked by a businesslike, constructive atmosphere.

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During the narrow format meeting with the President,

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we discussed strategic aspects of the development of bilateral 

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relations and Russian-Turkish interaction in the international arena 

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to address pressing global and regional issues.

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We also held talks with the participation of members of the two 

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countries’ Governments responsible for defence and security,

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the economy, cultural and humanitarian issues 

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and representatives of major businesses.

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As we traditionally do, we heard reports on the main areas 

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of Russian-Turkish cooperation and approved the goals and objectives 

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for future cooperation.

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A number of important bilateral interdepartmental 

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and corporate documents were signed.

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Thus, we can state with confidence that our countries have returned 

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to the path of true partnership, and multifaceted interaction.

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I would like to emphasise that we regard Turkey as a very important 

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partner, and we are interested in maintaining an intensive 

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high-level political dialogue.

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This is my fourth meeting with the President in the past year.

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It is also gratifying that the key bilateral mechanisms were recently 

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re-established, primarily the joint strategic planning group,

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the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation 

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and the civil society forum.

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Contacts resumed between ministries, parliamentary groups,

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and regional authorities.

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Turkey is traditionally among Russia’s main trade and economic partners.

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At the same time, last year,

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largely due to significant exchange rate fluctuations,

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as well as world energy prices,

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bilateral trade fell by 32 percent.

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Needless to say, neither Russia nor Turkey is happy with this situation.

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 The wide-ranging cooperation programme for 2017 – 2020

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that was signed today is aimed at stabilising the mutual flow 

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of goods, services and capital.

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In addition, a decision was made to establish a new joint investment 

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fund with a capital of up to $1 billion.

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You have just witnessed the signing of the corresponding document.

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Naturally, energy is a priority area in our cooperation.

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Russia reliably supplies Turkey with energy sources.

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The Blue Stream gas pipeline has been stably operating for years.

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This year, Gazprom plans to move forward with the construction 

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of another major energy route, the Turkish Stream.

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Two lines with a capacity of 15.75 billion

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 cubic metres a year each will be laid across 

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the Black Sea bed. The first will carry the fuel to Turkey’s domestic 

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market and the second – provided our European partners are interested –

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will bring gas to Europe via Turkey.

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The Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation is going ahead with 

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building the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey: four power units 

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with an aggregate capacity of 4,800 MW. 

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The project’s implementation opens up long-term prospects 

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for Russian-Turkish cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

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We expect Akkuyu to receive strategic investment status 

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in the near future. To reiterate, both projects –

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Turkish Stream and the nuclear power plant –

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meet modern environmental and technological standards and will become 

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major elements in ensuring energy security in the region.

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The priority areas addressed today include the expansion of industrial 

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and high-tech cooperation, primarily in heavy machine building,

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the auto industry, the chemical industry, construction and transport.

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Ways of expanding [financial] settlements in national 

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currencies were considered.

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We proposed to our partners creating infrastructure in Turkey 

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for servicing Mir payment cards through the Turkish bank 

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Denizbank, which is owned by Sberbank.

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Opportunities for deepening bilateral ties in the humanitarian sphere 

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were considered in depth.

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The bilateral Year of Culture and Tourism is slated for 2019.

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The relevant agencies were instructed to step up their efforts 

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to ensure the safety of Russian tourists,

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who are again showing interest in vacationing at Turkish resorts.

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While discussing topical international issues,

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considerable attention was given to the situation 

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in the Middle East, in particular Syria.

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The parties spoke in favour of combining the efforts of the entire 

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world community in the fight against terrorism.

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They noted that largely thanks to the active role of Russia and Turkey,

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it became possible not only to ensure the cessation of hostilities 

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between Syrian government forces and the armed opposition but also 

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to begin substantive talks, direct and concrete negotiations between 

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the parties to the conflict in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

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The ceasefire in Syria is generally holding thanks 

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to the well-coordinated efforts of Russia,

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Turkey and Iran. The level of violence has declined substantially.

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We agreed with our Turkish colleagues to continue our cooperation 

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in fighting terrorist groups, above all ISIS,

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working together through our military and special services.

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In conclusion, I would like once again to thank Mr Erdogan,

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all our Turkish colleagues and friends for these meaningful 

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and substantive talks, as well as for the invitation to hold the next 

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meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council in Turkey.

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I am convinced that the agreements reached today will foster mutually 

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beneficial Russian-Turkish partnership in all areas.

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Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr President.

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Ladies and gentlemen, my sincere greetings to you.

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First, I would like to use this opportunity to once again thank 

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my friend, Mr Putin, personally and on behalf 

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of my delegation, for the hospitality extended to us.

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We set up the High-Level Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council in 2010.

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Our goal was to ensure the institutionalisation of friendship and good 

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neighbourly relations between our countries and to take 

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them to a strategic level.

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We see that over the past seven years the Council has been successful 

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in accomplishing these tasks.

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Every year we hold high-level discussions on various aspects 

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of bilateral cooperation during the Council’s meetings and then we 

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follow up with the implementation of the decisions taken 

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through our foreign ministries.

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Apart from opening up new areas of cooperation,

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we work to broaden our ties.

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The sixth session of the Council under our chairmanship has 

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just finished. During the one-on-one talks,

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as well as negotiations involving delegation members,

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we paid special attention to issues of bilateral cooperation,

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summarised the results of our relations’ development since 

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the Council’s last session, discussed problem areas that have remained 

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in our relations and ways to resolve them.

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Both Turkey and Russia are determined to develop a profound,

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special cooperation between our countries.

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Unfortunately, we lost a lot of time following an incident in late 2015 

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that was extremely regrettable for us.

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Despite this, the friendship between our countries demonstrated its 

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ability to overcome trials, difficulties and provocations.

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Thanks to the joint steps taken in the previous months,

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we have managed to make substantial strides forward 

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in normalising bilateral relations.

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In this regard, the talks we held with Mr Putin in St Petersburg 

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on August 9, 2016, in Guangzhou on September 3, 2016 

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(at the G20 Summit in China), and in Istanbul on October 10, 2016 (the World Energy Congress), 

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were extremely important.

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Additionally, we have actively engaged in a ‘telephone diplomacy’.

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Today’s session of the Council is another example of our 

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close joint work.

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At the same time, while acknowledging the achievements of the latest 

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period, I am forced to say that the current result does not 

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yet meet our expectations.

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I am sure that this session of the Council has finalised 

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the normalisation of bilateral relations;

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therefore, we would like to abandon the use of this word.

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We hope to continue steps aimed at strengthening mutual trust 

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and putting our economic cooperation and political 

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agreements into practice.

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In this regard, we expect Russia’s full removal of economic 

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restrictions imposed on our country.

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This is the only way we will be able to achieve the previously 

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announced goal of raising bilateral trade to the level of $100 billion.

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In previous years, we managed to increase the volume of mutual trade 

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to $38 billion, but last year it dropped to $17 billion.

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Our goal is to make up these losses and reach the previous level.

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We expect that this year we will be able to set a new 

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record in our tourism cooperation.

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I would like to take the occasion to invite our Russian friends 

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to Turkey to discover the tourist,

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historical and cultural diversity of our country.

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We attach huge importance to using national currencies 

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in bilateral trade. We revisited this issue once again today,

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and we have already given corresponding instructions to our 

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central banks. Therefore, Russians will be able to carry out 

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transactions in Turkey in rubles, and, similarly,

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Turkish nationals will be able to make payments in liras in Russia.

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I believe that this will help us lower the impact 

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of the currency exchange rate on bilateral trade.

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I am convinced that cooperation in implementing such projects 

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as the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant and the Turkish 

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Stream gas pipeline will set an example for cooperation in other 

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fields. The mid-term programme for 2017–

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2020 and other documents signed today demonstrate the determination 

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and political will of our two countries’ leadership to develop 

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relations. I hope that this will be further reflected in practice.

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Another important step, as Mr President highlighted earlier,

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is the establishment of a joint investment fund with 

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a capital of $1 billion.

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The documents we signed today and the decisions we adopted allow us 

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to make up for lost time and will lay the groundwork 

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for a major boost to our relations.

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During the talks, we shared our views on regional issues.

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We discussed Syria, cooperation as part of the Organisation 

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of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation,

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formation of a trilateral mechanism for consultations between 

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Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkey, and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

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For our part we stressed Russia’s key role in resolving 

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a number of the region’s problems.

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We once again raised the issue that Turkey,

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which shares a 911-kilometre long border with Syria,

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has for six years suffered from the threats generated 

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by the conflict in that country.

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We stressed the need for solidarity in resolving this issue.

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In addition, we indicated that Operation Euphrates Shield,

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which we initiated on August 24, 2016,

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dealt a major blow to ISIS.

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An area equalling some 2,200 square kilometres in Syria was 

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totally cleared of terrorists.

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Thanks to Turkey’s efforts, we can now speak of the possibility 

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of the total liquidation of this terrorist group.

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I would like to underscore the issue of providing 

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humanitarian aid to Syria’s population.

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I am certain that cooperation between Russia and Turkey in this area 

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will help to ease the suffering of many Syrians.

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I can say that the Astana talks supplemented and supported the Geneva 

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process of a Syrian conflict settlement and proved successful.

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This became possible largely due to the will demonstrated 

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by Turkey and Russia.

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Without doubt, a successful completion of talks in Geneva requires 

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a serious approach from all parties,

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first and foremost from the Syrian regime.

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However, it is time to acknowledge that it is impossible to liquidate 

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one terrorist group with the help of another one.

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Turkey is a country that has been battling terrorism for 35 years 

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and now it faces a threat from such groups as ISIS,

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the Democratic Union Party (PYD), 

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the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and Jabhat al-Nusra.

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Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity must not be 

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jeopardised. We will continue to search for a just resolution 

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of the Syrian conflict in cooperation with Russia.

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Although we may not see eye-to-eye on various issues,

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we have so far kept cooperation channels open and are determined 

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to continue to do so in the future.

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We see major advantages in this approach.

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We expect to continue our joint efforts based on mutual trust.

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Of course, close cooperation between Turkey and Russia,

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based on mutual interests and aimed at promoting stability 

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in the region and the world may irritate certain forces.

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However, we will not succumb to provocations and will not allow 

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terrorist organisations to poison our relations.

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I would like to once again honour the memory of Russian Ambassador 

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to Turkey Andrei Karlov, who died in a heinous terrorist attack.

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I would like to offer my condolences to his widow,

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00:16:54.683 --> 00:16:57.003
family and all Russians.

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00:16:57.003 --> 00:17:00.600
Mr Karlov was a very successful diplomat, who,

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00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:04.352
during his service in Turkey, worked selflessly 

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00:17:04.352 --> 00:17:07.635
to consolidate Turkish-Russian friendship.

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We will remember him as a dear friend of our country and our people.

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In conclusion, I would like to once again thank my friend,

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00:17:16.142 --> 00:17:22.919
President Vladimir Putin, for his hospitality and to say that I will be 

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00:17:22.919 --> 00:17:28.842
very glad to see him in Turkey during the upcoming meeting 

241
00:17:28.842 --> 00:17:35.175
of the High-Level Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council.

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I would also like to invite him to the World Petroleum Congress to be 

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held in Istanbul in July 2017.

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Thank you for your attention.

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00:18:12.712 --> 00:18:16.412
My question is addressed to both Mr Putin and Mr Erdogan.

246
00:18:16.412 --> 00:18:23.332
A question on Syria. A meeting of the Turkish and Russian chiefs 

247
00:18:23.332 --> 00:18:27.590
of general staffs took place in Antalya.

248
00:18:27.590 --> 00:18:34.404
Turkey is very sensitive with regard to the PYD terrorist group.

249
00:18:34.404 --> 00:18:38.297
Is there any cooperation between the intelligence services 

250
00:18:38.297 --> 00:18:40.210
and at what level? Thank you.

251
00:18:40.710 --> 00:18:45.898
We have high praise for the level of cooperation achieved between 

252
00:18:45.898 --> 00:18:49.121
the Russian and Turkish special services,

253
00:18:49.121 --> 00:18:53.130
between the military departments of both countries.

254
00:18:53.130 --> 00:18:55.926
It was only due to our cooperation,

255
00:18:55.926 --> 00:19:00.640
with the participation of our Iranian partners and friends,

256
00:19:00.640 --> 00:19:04.234
that we were able to bring about a ceasefire.

257
00:19:04.234 --> 00:19:10.903
In Astana, for the first time, the parties to the conflict sat 

258
00:19:10.903 --> 00:19:13.867
at the same table for talks.

259
00:19:13.867 --> 00:19:19.024
This is a tangible result of our joint efforts.

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00:19:19.024 --> 00:19:25.935
As for terrorist activity, Russia always strongly condemns any 

261
00:19:25.935 --> 00:19:32.189
terrorist actions whatever the motives of the people who 

262
00:19:32.189 --> 00:19:34.603
perpetrate those acts.

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00:19:34.603 --> 00:19:37.664
This is our position of principle,

264
00:19:37.664 --> 00:19:41.536
and there is no and can be no change there.

265
00:19:41.536 --> 00:19:48.473
We share information on the fight against terrorism.

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00:19:48.473 --> 00:19:54.559
As I have said, our special services are working closely and we intend 

267
00:19:54.559 --> 00:19:57.214
to expand this cooperation.

268
00:19:57.214 --> 00:20:00.947
We know how complex the situation in the region is,

269
00:20:00.947 --> 00:20:04.313
not only in Syria but also in other countries.

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00:20:04.313 --> 00:20:10.978
This cannot but worry us; this is a source of global threats.

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00:20:10.978 --> 00:20:17.235
There are also well-known problems related to the flow of migrants,

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00:20:17.235 --> 00:20:20.597
which also seriously affects Turkey.

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00:20:20.597 --> 00:20:26.598
We understand this and we will do all we can to address all 

274
00:20:26.598 --> 00:20:32.999
such problems. We will work together, as I have repeatedly said,

275
00:20:32.999 --> 00:20:39.801
including at the UN. We can defeat terrorism only by joining forces.

276
00:20:47.721 --> 00:20:51.462
Turkey and Russia are engaged in complex military 

277
00:20:51.462 --> 00:20:56.862
cooperation on the Syrian issue.

278
00:20:56.862 --> 00:21:06.144
There is close interaction between the chiefs of staff,

279
00:21:06.144 --> 00:21:13.569
foreign ministers and intelligence agencies.

280
00:21:13.569 --> 00:21:20.795
We are resolved to broaden cooperation in providing humanitarian aid,

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00:21:20.795 --> 00:21:26.660
which would be highly relevant in the current situation.

282
00:21:26.660 --> 00:21:34.539
We have reached a number of agreements on the matter today.

283
00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:40.739
This issue falls outside the scope of counterterrorist efforts.

284
00:21:40.739 --> 00:21:46.446
Our decisive fight against terrorists, first and foremost,

285
00:21:46.446 --> 00:21:50.481
against ISIS, the Democratic Union Party 

286
00:21:50.481 --> 00:21:53.728
(PYD), People’s Protection Units 

287
00:21:53.728 --> 00:21:59.337
(YPG), Fethullah Gülen and Jabhat al-Nusra will continue.

288
00:21:59.337 --> 00:22:04.263
We must do this because we, leaders and politicians,

289
00:22:04.263 --> 00:22:10.894
are responsible for the destinies of the people living in this region.

290
00:22:10.894 --> 00:22:16.362
These are the positions we proceed from in our joint efforts.

291
00:22:16.362 --> 00:22:19.769
Additionally, over our business lunch,

292
00:22:19.769 --> 00:22:24.431
we discussed the crash of the Eczacibasi helicopter,

293
00:22:24.431 --> 00:22:28.375
which took place today at 11.30 in Istanbul.

294
00:22:28.375 --> 00:22:31.423
It hit a TV tower in Buyukcekmece.

295
00:22:31.423 --> 00:22:36.436
Two pilots – Turkish citizens –

296
00:22:36.436 --> 00:22:44.522
as well as five passengers, four of them Russians,

297
00:22:44.522 --> 00:22:50.021
died in the crash. In this regard,

298
00:22:50.021 --> 00:23:01.341
I would like to extend my condolences to the families of the deceased,

299
00:23:01.341 --> 00:23:08.749
the President of Russia and the Russian delegation.

300
00:23:08.749 --> 00:23:10.304
Thank you.

301
00:23:20.084 --> 00:23:25.235
You have touched on the situation in Syria and praised cooperation 

302
00:23:25.235 --> 00:23:30.156
between the two countries, including their military departments,

303
00:23:30.156 --> 00:23:32.539
in fighting terrorism in Syria.

304
00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:36.688
What is the outlook for this cooperation and do you think 

305
00:23:36.688 --> 00:23:41.481
the preservation of Syria’s territorial and political integrity is 

306
00:23:41.481 --> 00:23:46.274
an indispensable precondition for the resolution of this conflict? 

307
00:23:46.274 --> 00:23:50.901
And the same question concerning the political 

308
00:23:50.901 --> 00:23:55.330
and territorial integrity of Iraq. Thank you.

309
00:23:55.950 --> 00:24:00.973
I have already assessed the nature and level of our cooperation.

310
00:24:00.973 --> 00:24:07.035
As for the prospects, frankly, the situation remains complicated;

311
00:24:07.035 --> 00:24:12.817
there are a lot of factors of uncertainty and there are a lot 

312
00:24:12.817 --> 00:24:18.567
of disagreements in the region and the country we are now 

313
00:24:18.567 --> 00:24:21.045
talking about, Syria.

314
00:24:21.045 --> 00:24:28.982
Therefore, I would express cautious optimism that by working together 

315
00:24:28.982 --> 00:24:36.806
and bringing in other important players, including the United States,

316
00:24:36.806 --> 00:24:44.743
we will effectively help consolidate the ceasefire and, based on that,

317
00:24:44.743 --> 00:24:50.979
move forward with a comprehensive political settlement.

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00:24:50.979 --> 00:24:57.434
Needless to say, for peace and calm to hold in the region and to ensure 

319
00:24:57.434 --> 00:25:02.724
the restoration of Syria and other countries in the region,

320
00:25:02.724 --> 00:25:07.924
the principle of territorial integrity should be observed,

321
00:25:07.924 --> 00:25:14.290
and in this sense, the restoration of Syria’s territorial integrity is,

322
00:25:14.290 --> 00:25:18.952
in our view, in my view, an indispensable condition 

323
00:25:18.952 --> 00:25:22.897
for a full-scale settlement in that country.

324
00:25:24.977 --> 00:25:31.014
Preserving the territorial integrity of Syria and Iraq is 

325
00:25:31.014 --> 00:25:40.308
our top priority. We will not accept the division of these countries.

326
00:25:40.308 --> 00:25:45.264
We have deep historical, cultural and family ties with each 

327
00:25:45.264 --> 00:25:49.993
of these countries.

328
00:25:49.993 --> 00:25:58.716
Following last years’ events, around three million Syrians found 

329
00:25:58.716 --> 00:26:04.486
themselves in our country. We took them in.

330
00:26:04.486 --> 00:26:09.183
In addition, we accepted about 300,000 Iraqis. 

331
00:26:09.183 --> 00:26:16.654
We have already spent more than $25 billion on this.

332
00:26:16.654 --> 00:26:20.588
At the same time, we do not consider this aid sufficient since people 

333
00:26:20.588 --> 00:26:23.117
in these countries face threats all the time.

334
00:26:23.117 --> 00:26:31.350
However, the Astana talks made it possible to cease the hostilities.

335
00:26:31.350 --> 00:26:36.268
A large-scale evacuation was carried out from Aleppo.

336
00:26:36.268 --> 00:26:40.936
Due to cooperation between Russia and Turkey,

337
00:26:40.936 --> 00:26:44.333
people were moved from Aleppo to the area of Idlib.

338
00:26:44.333 --> 00:26:48.565
However, they face threats there as well,

339
00:26:48.565 --> 00:26:53.641
which forces us to deal with the issue further.

340
00:26:53.641 --> 00:26:57.007
We do not want this situation to continue.

341
00:26:57.007 --> 00:27:06.157
Our goal is make it possible for the people who fled from Jerablus,

342
00:27:06.157 --> 00:27:11.620
Al-Rai, Dabiq and al-Bab to return home.

343
00:27:11.620 --> 00:27:15.910
In addition, there is the situation in Manbij.

344
00:27:15.910 --> 00:27:23.672
In cooperation with Russia and the international coalition forces we 

345
00:27:23.672 --> 00:27:31.659
would like to liberate it from the occupation by terrorists and ensure 

346
00:27:31.659 --> 00:27:36.609
the return of the local people to this city.

347
00:27:36.609 --> 00:27:41.671
After that, our main objective will be Raqqa,

348
00:27:41.671 --> 00:27:45.608
where ISIS forces are concentrated.

349
00:27:45.608 --> 00:27:52.824
According to our intelligence agencies,

350
00:27:52.824 --> 00:28:01.705
there are about 3,000 ISIS members in that area.

351
00:28:01.705 --> 00:28:08.733
As for Iraq, the coalition forces are also carrying out their assault 

352
00:28:08.733 --> 00:28:13.864
on ISIS, primarily in Mosul.

353
00:28:13.864 --> 00:28:20.605
With every passing day, ISIS forces are losing ground and the city’s 

354
00:28:20.605 --> 00:28:23.828
residents are starting to return.

355
00:28:23.828 --> 00:28:29.412
Our compatriots, Turkomen, reside in the city of Tal Afar.

356
00:28:29.412 --> 00:28:35.477
They were previously threatened by the Hasdi Sabi organisation.

357
00:28:35.477 --> 00:28:39.424
Now the threat is gone to a large extent.

358
00:28:39.424 --> 00:28:44.975
Unfortunately, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party has had a presence 

359
00:28:44.975 --> 00:28:50.614
in Sinjar. Now this region is being gradually liberated from it.

360
00:28:50.614 --> 00:28:57.317
Therefore, our main goal is to clear the region from terrorists 

361
00:28:57.317 --> 00:29:03.447
and ensure the return of the local people to their homes.

362
00:29:15.187 --> 00:29:17.811
Good evening, I would like to address Mr Putin in Russian.

363
00:29:17.811 --> 00:29:24.595
A ban on employing Turkish citizens and restrictions on Turkish 

364
00:29:24.595 --> 00:29:28.838
companies are still in effect in Russia.

365
00:29:28.838 --> 00:29:33.549
Could you say exactly when these restrictions will be 

366
00:29:33.549 --> 00:29:35.332
lifted? Thank you very much.

367
00:29:36.132 --> 00:29:40.243
The President has raised this issue today,

368
00:29:40.243 --> 00:29:47.868
including with regard to Turkish construction workers who are subject 

369
00:29:47.868 --> 00:29:51.680
to a visa ban, a ban on work visas.

370
00:29:51.680 --> 00:29:56.318
Today, the President and I agreed that this ban would be lifted.

371
00:29:56.318 --> 00:29:59.007
This will happen in the very near future.

372
00:29:59.007 --> 00:30:04.282
After our agreement today, it is a purely technical matter.

373
00:30:04.282 --> 00:30:09.036
As for other matters related to liberalisation,

374
00:30:09.036 --> 00:30:12.373
we will continue to work on them.

375
00:30:12.373 --> 00:30:17.884
Cooperation between our special services is very important here 

376
00:30:17.884 --> 00:30:22.792
in order to ensure security in screening out persons who 

377
00:30:22.792 --> 00:30:25.719
are undesirable in both countries.

378
00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:39.450
My question is for both you, Mr Putin, and your counterpart, Mr Erdogan.

379
00:30:39.450 --> 00:30:43.342
Vacation season, the tourist season is drawing near.

380
00:30:43.342 --> 00:30:48.192
On this subject, an aspect like security cannot possibly be ignored.

381
00:30:48.192 --> 00:30:54.515
If I understood you correctly, this topic was addressed 

382
00:30:54.515 --> 00:30:59.374
during your talks. It is important to understand whether Turkey can 

383
00:30:59.374 --> 00:31:02.571
guarantee the safety of our citizens.

384
00:31:02.571 --> 00:31:05.188
Can we be sure that nothing will happen to Russian tourists 

385
00:31:05.188 --> 00:31:07.492
in Turkey? Thank you.

386
00:31:08.592 --> 00:31:14.182
The flow of tourists from Russia to Turkey is a significant 

387
00:31:14.182 --> 00:31:16.976
factor in the Turkish economy.

388
00:31:16.976 --> 00:31:21.131
However, for us Russians, for Russia, in recent years,

389
00:31:21.131 --> 00:31:24.902
it has also been an important aspect of our life.

390
00:31:24.902 --> 00:31:28.162
Hundreds of thousands, millions of people,

391
00:31:28.162 --> 00:31:32.509
Russian citizens have vacationed in Turkey and found it 

392
00:31:32.509 --> 00:31:36.079
very agreeable and friendly. We all know this.

393
00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:38.669
I often vacationed in Turkey myself,

394
00:31:38.669 --> 00:31:41.999
before I worked here in Moscow,

395
00:31:41.999 --> 00:31:45.696
in the Kremlin. And I have only the best feelings 

396
00:31:45.696 --> 00:31:48.722
and memories about those holidays.

397
00:31:48.722 --> 00:31:54.607
However, now we will not go into the reasons and causes 

398
00:31:54.607 --> 00:32:00.417
of the decline in this flow again. It is recovering now.

399
00:32:00.417 --> 00:32:04.966
We see and we know that Turkey is dealing with terrorist attacks 

400
00:32:04.966 --> 00:32:08.955
and the Turkish people are affected by terrorist attacks.

401
00:32:08.955 --> 00:32:14.753
We sympathise; we share the pain of their losses and we 

402
00:32:14.753 --> 00:32:18.790
strongly condemn any terrorist actions.

403
00:32:18.790 --> 00:32:25.360
At the same time, we see that the Turkish authorities are doing their 

404
00:32:25.360 --> 00:32:29.114
utmost to ensure the safety of tourists,

405
00:32:29.114 --> 00:32:33.525
including Russian tourists, at Turkish resorts.

406
00:32:33.545 --> 00:32:37.517
We very much hope that these efforts will continue and all 

407
00:32:37.517 --> 00:32:41.556
the necessary conditions for the safety of Russian tourists 

408
00:32:41.556 --> 00:32:43.894
will be ensured.

409
00:32:51.494 --> 00:32:58.131
I would like to primarily thank Mr President for the good news that 

410
00:32:58.131 --> 00:33:04.964
Turkish businessmen and contractors will be once again granted access 

411
00:33:04.964 --> 00:33:11.503
to the Russian market, so that they can resume their activity with 

412
00:33:11.503 --> 00:33:18.141
their previous enthusiasm. We discussed this during the talks today.

413
00:33:18.141 --> 00:33:24.287
As for tourism, the life and health of each tourist,

414
00:33:24.287 --> 00:33:31.261
no matter if he or she is from Russia or any other country,

415
00:33:31.261 --> 00:33:38.826
are as important for us as the lives and health of our citizens.

416
00:33:38.826 --> 00:33:45.605
This is why all the relevant agencies are doing everything in their 

417
00:33:45.605 --> 00:33:48.695
power to ensure their security.

418
00:33:48.695 --> 00:33:55.076
Besides, you know that hospitality is in our national character.

419
00:33:55.076 --> 00:34:01.600
We hosted and will continue hosting foreign guests at the highest level.

420
00:34:01.600 --> 00:34:06.946
Russia was a leader in the number of tourists visiting our 

421
00:34:06.946 --> 00:34:09.302
country in the past years.

422
00:34:09.302 --> 00:34:13.435
I hope that we will once again be able to attain the previous results 

423
00:34:13.435 --> 00:34:19.581
and show our hospitality to the Russian people.

424
00:34:19.581 --> 00:34:20.880
Thank you for your attention.

