Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, I am pleased to see you here in Russia.
I am very glad that the relationship between our countries has been developing as dynamically as we wish for in recent times. Russia has become Turkey's primary trading partner, with trade turnover approaching $35 billion. And Turkey is also one of Russia's most important trading partners. Whereas several years ago we were principally talking about the construction sector, now we have a very broad diversification in terms of our relations.
We are achieving virtually everything that we have agreed upon. I am very glad that you accepted my invitation and found the time to come to Russia. There is much for us to talk about in terms of the whole scope and variety of our ties.
It is particularly important that we are meeting in Sochi, on the shore of the Black Sea. Turkey and Russia are both Black Sea countries, and we have many common interests in this region.
Welcome to Russia.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan (as translated): I am very grateful and very pleased to have this meeting with you. Turkish-Russian relations have seen great development during the last six years.
Trade turnover between our countries has indeed reached $35 billion. This pace was achieved through the diversifying of our cooperation.
Indeed, we are two Black Sea countries. It is very pleasing to see that tourism is bringing our two peoples closer together in a special way. This is an important basis of coming closer together in our relations.
Russia is also our main partner in the energy sector; this is also an important contribution to our solidarity. Let me express my deep gratitude for this invitation.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
