During the meeting, the relations between the two countries, the realization of the tripartite summit in Moscow, the decision of the US to withdraw from Syria and the safe zone were discussed.

Holding a joint press conference with President Putin of the Russian Federation, President Erdoğan said: "The cooperation between Turkiye and Russia is a cornerstone of Syria's peace, security, and stability. We have achieved many successes and positive developments thanks to our close dialogue and cooperation."

"We are determined to strengthen our coordination with our Russian friends," he added.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation held a joint press conference following their talks at the Kremlin.

"My working visit to Russia is taking place following a ship accident in the Kerch Strait. May Allah bless the souls of the 16 people, including 4 Turkish citizens, who lost their lives. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured and I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased," President Erdoğan said.

Intense cooperation between Turkiye and Russia

"Turkiye and Russia enjoy very intense cooperation in the spheres of economy, trade, industry, energy, and culture. Lately, tourism has ranked first among them. Thanks to President Putin’s and my efforts, our current cooperation continues to grow stronger,” President Erdoğan underlined.

"Our cooperation in the economy continue to yield positive outcomes. Our annual bilateral trade volume of $26 billion is on the rise," President Erdoğan said.

Stating that the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant and the TurkStream projects, which symbolize the Turkish-Russian cooperation, are underway, President Erdoğan said: "2019 will be a very special year in this regard. We will reciprocally hold culture and tourism year events in Turkiye and Russia."

"In the last two years, Russians have ranked first among the tourists we host in Turkiye. Last year, we hosted nearly 6 million Russian guests. I believe this figure will further rise in 2019. Visa-free travel was also on our agenda. I believe visa-free travel between Turkiye and Russia will cement the friendship between the people of two countries."

“We are determined to strengthen our coordination with our Russian friends”

"We especially had an opportunity to discuss the situation in Syria. We followed upon the implementation of the results of the Idlib Agreement and the Quadrilateral Summit on Syria," President Erdoğan said.

"We reviewed the developments on the ground, particularly in Idlib. We also discussed the U.S. decision to withdraw," President Erdoğan noted.

"The cooperation between Turkiye and Russia is a cornerstone of Syria's peace, security, and stability. We have achieved many successes and positive developments thanks to our close dialogue and cooperation. We are determined to strengthen our coordination with our Russian friends."

"It is of critical importance that any vacuum which can be abused by terrorist organizations is not allowed during the U.S. withdrawal from Syria," President Erdoğan underscored.

"Turkiye’s sole purpose is to clear the region of such terrorist organizations as DAESH, PYD/YPG,” President Erdoğan reiterated.

"We know very well who backs them and who provokes them. I would like to note that there is also a need for a joint fight against terrorist organizations, which aim to undermine the Turkish-Russian cooperation."

"We will work in coordination against attempts to violate the memorandum. Also, we will rapidly implement the decisions we have taken. It is urgent that the constitutional committee is formed as soon as possible. We will focus our efforts on that area."

Syrian refugees’ return home

"We also discussed the Syrian refugees’ return, which closely concerns Turkiye that houses nearly 4 million Syrian refugees," President Erdoğan noted.

"300 thousand Syrians have returned so far to the areas, cleared of terrorism through operations Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch. In the 4-thousand-square-km area stretching from Afrin to Jarabulus, Syrians can lead normal lives in safety and peace away from terror," President Erdoğan said.

President Erdoğan also suggested that this model which paves the way for refugees’ return should be implemented east of the Euphrates.

Russian president Putin: We want a settlement of the Syrian crisis on a political and diplomatic basis"

President Putin of Russia, on his part, express his sincere condolences to President Erdoğan for the Turkish sailors who died in the incident in the Kerch Strait.

Noting that they want to achieve a long-term settlement of the Syrian crisis on a political and diplomatic basis in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and with strict observance of the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, President Putin said: "We discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of the Astana format. At this time, this format is the most effective mechanism for settling the conflict in Syria."

Pointing to the U.S. decision to withdraw from Syria, President Putin said: "If these plans are really executed, it will be a positive step and would help stabilize the situation in this troubled area of Syria, currently under the control of Kurdish formations. In this context, we support Damascus entering into dialogue with Kurdish representatives."

"This dialogue would promote the consolidation of Syrian society and national accord, which would be in the interests of both Syria and all neighboring countries."

"Cooperation between Russia and Turkiye in the post-conflict development of Syria is of great importance. Mr. President and I agreed that the military forces and diplomats of both our countries would continue coordinated efforts in this direction with the aim of encouraging the large-scale return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons."

"President Putin also highlighted the boosting bilateral trade volume between Turkiye and Russia, and underscored the importance of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant and the TurkStream projects."

“Talks on the safe zone in Syria continue” 

Following their statements, the two leaders answered reporters' questions.

In answer to a question on the talks with the U.S. regarding a safe zone in Syria and whether this issue was on the agenda of the meeting in Moscow, President Erdoğan said that ministers and officials have held negotiations on the safe zone.

Noting that the U.S. has conveyed her approach with regard to taking measures on threatening regions, which is a nearly 30-32 km-deep area, President Erdoğan also said Turkiye does not have any issues with Russia regarding this matter, either.

“Our joint fight against terrorist organizations in Idlib will continue”

"Our joint fight against terrorist organizations in Idlib will continue," President Erdoğan underlined.

"We will continue to fight because our aim is to ensure Syrian people’s peace and happiness while also giving no respite to terrorist groups. We have reaffirmed our solidarity in this regard," he said.

ILKHA