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Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues,

I am very glad to have another chance to meet with you and discuss our current issues.

I would like to stress from the onset the 16 percent trade growth in 2018. We both know that either side has a significant investment volume of $10 billion each.

Currently we are resolving the issue – and I believe it should be sped up – of establishing a €900 million investment platform.

Implementation of our large projects is underway, I will not speak about it now, as we are well aware of these matters.

Turkey’s upcoming participation as a partner country in the 10^th INNOPROM International Industrial Trade Fair in Yekaterinburg in July will be an important event.

In addition, the tourist exchange is growing: last year six million Russian tourists visited Turkey, which is a record number.

They are no cheapskates, they know how to enjoy their holidays, so the revenues of the Turkish partners reached $5 billion.

I think the ambitious programme of the current Cross Year of Culture and Tourism in Russia and Turkey will lead to new achievements in the area.

We have many other items on our bilateral and international agendas, so I would like to stress again that I am very glad to see you.

President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan (retranslated): Mr President, my dear friend,

I would like to especially focus on the new impetus we have given to our relations recently.

The S-400 delivery – we continue watching over this process in accordance with our agreement reached in Dushanbe.

I would like to note that joint missile production as well as technology transfer has a priority for our cooperation. As far as I know, there has been no delay with this delivery.

Also, the next meeting of our joint economic commission will be held in Turkey.

As you said about tourism, Russia’s and Russian citizens’ love for our country is growing daily. It means a lot for our people and for tourism, for the tourism sector, and is another major force.

Another crucial part is the Akkuyu nuclear power plant. Launching the first generating unit in 2023 is of major significance for implementing this task.

On the other hand, we attach great importance to the non-nuclear equipment being provided by the Turkish market.

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