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Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is in Russia to take part in the opening ceremony of Moscow’s Cathedral Mosque following reconstruction.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends, good afternoon once again.
Thank you for coming here to take part in the opening of Moscow’s Cathedral Mosque, and thank you once again for your help in the reconstruction work.
I must take this opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations and issues on the international agenda.
As far as our bilateral relations are concerned, we are very happy with their development. We continue our regular contacts at the top level, in all areas, through our parliaments and our contacts at the government level. We know that you are about to hold parliamentary elections and we wish your party success.
As for our economic ties, despite the fall due to a number of objective circumstances, Russia remains Turkey’s second-biggest trade and economic partner. Our trade and economic ties continue to diversify, which makes us very happy. Investment has increased on both sides, by around $10 billion from each country.
In general, we have plenty to discuss. We are pleased to see you.
President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan (retranslated): I also want to thank you. The mosque that was rebuilt and restored here in very heart of Moscow has turned out a magnificent monument. This is very important when you think of the many different events that can be held there now and the opportunities it offers. Your direct involvement has great importance too, of course, and I want to thank you for this direct involvement on your part.
Over the last 10 years, bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia have reached a very good basic level. Negative circumstances in the global economy have had an impact on our trade, but our bilateral turnover continues to grow even so. In 2014, our bilateral trade reached a figure of $31 billion, and it came to $11 billion over the first six months of this year. As you know, our goal is to reach a figure of $100 billion by 2023. Let us hope that fortune is on our side and we will succeed in reaching this objective.
Today’s event gives us a good opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations and go over the international agenda.
Thank you very much.
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September 23, 2015, The Kremlin, Moscow