President Erdoğan and Russian President Putin made statements prior to their meeting at the International Exhibition Center (INTEX).

Noting that significant momentum has been witnessed in the recent period in relations between Turkey and Russia, President Erdoğan said that they had discussed the delivery of S-400 defense systems at their previous meeting in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe as well and that the roadmap, which had been agreed to, is being followed. 

Emphasizing the importance Turkey attaches to the continuation of the process regarding the S-400 missile defense system in a manner that also contains technology transfer, President Erdoğan stated that there is no disruption in the system’s delivery.  

Recalling that the Mixed Economic Commission will hold its next meeting in Turkey, President Erdoğan said that the rising interest of Russian citizens in Turkey constitutes a source of strength for the Turkish tourism industry.

"It is of paramount importance to us that the target of making the first unit of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant operational by 2023 be achieved. We also attach special importance to the procurement of non-nuclear materials from the Turkish markets," President Erdoğan said.

Pointing out that technical works regarding official passports between Turkey and Russia have started, President Erdoğan said: "We expect them to be finalized as soon as possible. However, we are not at the desired level in visa exemption yet. We will be highly pleased if we accelerate it."

Russian President Putin, for his part, noted that the two countries continue with their cooperation in large-scale energy projects. Turkey-Russia bilateral trade volume increased by 15% in 2018, underlined Russian President Putin, drawing attention to the ongoing mutual investments.

Also pointing to the substantial rise in tourism-related activities between the two countries, Russian President Putin stated that a record number of 6 million Russian tourists visited Turkey last year, generating nearly 5 billion dollars in revenue.

"Mutual Year of Russian-Turkish Culture and Tourism is underway. We hope this year will lead to new achievements. I would like to express once again that I am very happy to see you," Russian President Putin said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Treasury and Finance Berat Albayrak and Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar accompanied President Erdoğan during the meeting.

ILKHA