MOSCOW, Jan. 5 (Xinhua)
The leaders discussed “issues of further expanding trade and economic ties, especially in the energy sector,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
Both sides emphasized the priority of implementing joint projects of strategic importance, such as the creation of a regional gas hub in Turkey and the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, they added.
Putin and Erdogan also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine. Putin pointed to the destructive role of Western countries in supplying Kyiv with weapons and information about the situation on the ground and potential targets.
The Russian leader also confirmed Russia’s openness to a serious dialogue on Ukraine, as long as the Kiev authorities fulfill known and repeatedly voiced demands and respect the new “territorial realities,” according to the Kremlin.