Russian-Turkish talks
December 11, 2017
21:30
Ankara
At the residence of the President of Turkey.
The Russian head of state and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation, primarily the progress of implementing major joint energy projects.
They also exchanged views on key international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Syrian settlement process.
Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan also made statements for the press.
Earlier on the same day, Vladimir Putin visited the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria, and Egypt.
The two leaders made statements for the press following the talks.
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Press statements following Russian-Turkish talks
President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan (retranslated): Dear friend, ladies and gentlemen,
I welcome all of you from the bottom of my heart. It is immensely satisfying to have Mr Putin and his accompanying delegation here in our country again.
Once again, I welcome them to our country. I am meeting with my friend, Mr Putin, for the eighth time this year. This close dialogue demonstrates our working partnership with regard to our bilateral relations and regional issues.
Russian-Turkish cooperation is growing stronger every day. We interact in a harmonious working environment at the political level. These visits and our telephone conversations allow us to regularly assess critical issues and develop a common viewpoint.
We will continue this strategic coordination during the seventh meeting of the High-Level Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council, which will be held here next year. Prior to this meeting, our respective ministers will conduct the preparatory work.
This harmony at the political level is positively reflected in our economic and humanitarian contacts. Our bilateral trade increased by 30 percent in the first ten months of 2017.
I must also note that our cooperation in the tourism sector is at a very good level. This year, 4.5 million Russian tourists visited our country, and this figure should undoubtedly grow in 2018.
Another critical aspect of our bilateral relations is energy. We believe that partnership in this area will be raised to a new level through the Turkish Stream and the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant projects. Both sides are determined to complete these projects in the shortest possible time.
Ladies and gentlemen, apart from bilateral relations my friend Mr Putin and I discussed regional issues today, which obviously included the developments in Jerusalem.
The decision by the US leadership to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel resulted in major unrest. This was a disappointment for Muslims, Christians, and for the reasonable Jewish population.
By the end of last week, four Palestinians were killed and about 2,000 wounded by Israeli soldiers. Israeli aircraft bombed the Gaza Strip. You could say that Israel is only adding fuel to the fire.
Israel seeks to use this process as a means of stepping up pressure and acts of violence against the Palestinians. These crimes cannot be ignored by people of conscience and principle.
As you may know, as the current President of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Turkey will convene an emergency summit in Istanbul in two days. The leaders of the member countries were invited to attend. I believe that we will send a strong message to the world at this meeting.
On the Jerusalem issue, I see that there are some similarities to Mr Putin’s approach. We agree to maintain contact on this matter.
We also discussed Syria today with a special focus on the decisions adopted at the Sochi Summit, which in turn followed up on the Astana meetings.
We reviewed these decisions and discussed further steps. We agreed to have a second meeting in Sochi to look at the additional steps that can be taken to push the political process forward. On the other hand, I think that our countries, being the guarantor countries for the Astana meetings, can make a significant contribution to the Geneva process.
Ladies and gentlemen, I believe close contact between Turkey and Russia is beneficial not only in terms of bilateral relations, but also for regional stability. In this context, it is our intention to maintain this momentum going forward.
I very much want this visit to be beneficial. Regarding the S-400 systems, I can say that the relevant agencies of our countries are expected to complete what needs to be done this week. I wish them every success in their endeavours.
Thank you very much.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen,
We are happy to be in Ankara today visiting our dear friends, our friend President Erdogan. And I would first like to stress that the talks were held in a business-like and constructive atmosphere.
We have discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation including the implementation of strategic trade and economic projects and defence industry projects, and exchanged views on current issues of the international and regional agendas.
It is natural in this respect that the focus was on the sharply escalating situation in the Middle East settlement process and in Syrian affairs where our two countries are closely collaborating.
Let me stress that cooperation between Moscow and Ankara has been successfully progressing in very diverse areas. I should also mention contacts between our foreign ministries, sectoral ministries, parliamentary exchanges, and the work of the intergovernmental commission.
President Erdogan and I noted with satisfaction that bilateral trade has grown significantly since the beginning of the year: from January to September, trade rose by 36 percent to $15 billion. It was $15.8 billion for the whole of last year, so it is definitely going to be higher this year.
All this became possible thanks to our joint decisions to cancel restrictions in trade and the economy. Let me note that over the first eight months of this year, Turkey’s agricultural exports to Russia increased by 80 percent.
It is not a secret that today, too, we discussed further action to liberalise our trade and economic links. I think our conversation regarding this issue was very helpful.
The growing number of Russian tourists travelling to Turkey is very indicative, which Mr President just mentioned. Four million Russians have visited Turkish resorts this year. As a reminder, in 2016 that number was as low as 866,000.
We had a detailed discussion of our cooperation in the energy sector. It is of crucial importance that we are beginning to work on Akkuyu, the first nuclear power plant in Turkey.
The Turkish Stream gas pipeline construction is on schedule. Two lines, each with a capacity of 15.75 billion cubic metres, will run along the bottom of the Black Sea.
Completion of this project will improve Turkey’s energy security and diversify supplies of Russian gas to other countries.
We also see significant prospects for expanding our military and technical cooperation. Today we finally came together on a loan agreement, which, I can now confirm, will hopefully be signed very shortly.
We spoke about Syria as well. Almost the entire territory is now free of terrorists. If there is any more resistance from the terrorists, we will take quick action in response.
Another item on the agenda was the political settlement in Syria. During the trilateral meeting of the Russian, Iranian and Turkish presidents on November 22, we reached certain agreements concerning this issue. Now it is important to go through with them.
In particular, we continue to work together on preparations for the Syrian National Dialogue Congress to be held early next year.
The plan is for the congress participants to analyse issues of great importance to the entire Syrian nation, such as future state structure, adopting a constitution and holding constitution-based elections under the supervision of the United Nations Organisation. I am not revealing any secrets if I say that during my trip to Syria today I discussed this with President Assad in detail.
We proceed from the premise that the congress will result in more intense efforts towards a Syrian settlement within the Geneva process as well. As guarantors of the Astana process, we continue to maintain the ceasefire and ensure stability in the de-escalation zones and to increase trust between the conflicting parties.
We agreed to continue close coordination in light of the preparations for the eighth international meeting on Syria in Astana later this month. I would like to note the positive contribution of the Turkish Republic and President Erdogan to the reconciliation between the parties.
We discussed the humanitarian situation as well. I would like to note that both Russia and Turkey believe that the US administration’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and to relocate the US embassy there does not do anything to help settle the situation in the Middle East and is instead destabilising an already complicated situation. This may, in fact, ruin the prospects for the Palestine-Israel peace process.
Russia believes that the settlement must be built exclusively and fully on the previous decisions of the United Nations. The specific terms of the agreement on Jerusalem’s status are the subject of direct talks between Palestine and Israel.
The Turkish President informed me about preparations for a special summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to take place the day after tomorrow in Istanbul. Naturally, as an observer state in the OIC, Russia will be represented at the event.
Finally, I would like to thank the Turkish President for an open and constructive discussion. We intend to further work on improving cooperation between our countries based on good neighbourliness and respect for each other’s interests.
Thank you very much.
Russian-Egyptian talks
As part of his working visit to Egypt, Vladimir Putin met with President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss the future of Russian-Egyptian relations in the political, trade, economic, energy and cultural spheres.
December 11, 2017
14:45
Cairo
With President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
In addition, the Russian President informed the President of Egypt about his trip to the Syrian Arab Republic, which took place earlier that day. The leaders of the two countries discussed further steps to achieve a political settlement in Syria.
Following the talks, the presidents attended the signing of contracts for the construction of the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt and for the delivery of nuclear fuel to the plant.
Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also made statements for the press.
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Beginning of a meeting with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (re-translated): We very much value your visit here, Mr President.
Russia has supported Egypt since the 50’s and 60’s, and continues to support our country to this day. This includes the construction of metallurgical plants and the Aswan Dam. Today, we will sign a contract for the construction of a nuclear power plant.
Your visit to Egypt today shows that relations between Egypt and the Russian Federation are very strong. We are interested in building and strengthening this cooperation.
Once again, welcome. We also welcome the accompanying members of your delegation. All of Egypt and the Egyptian people welcome you as well.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, thank you very much for the invitation.
I am pleased to note that our economic ties are developing at a fairly fast pace. Indeed, we have many good projects coming up, including the nuclear power plant project, the construction of a technological platform, and agriculture.
Of course, I would very much like to discuss with you the situation in the region. For my part, I am ready to talk to you in detail about the situation in Syria.
I arrived here directly from Syria and would like to inform you in detail about my conversation with President al-Assad, as well as our arrangements with the leaders of Turkey and Iran regarding further steps towards a political settlement in Syria.
Press statements following Russian-Egyptian talks
December 11, 2017
17:00
Cairo
Press statements following Russian-Egyptian talks. With President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (retranslated): Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to begin by greeting His Excellency, President Vladimir Putin, a friend of Egypt whose presence here today is evidence of solid strategic relations between Egypt and the Russian Federation.
Strong ties between our countries date back in history and are based on bilateral political relations, coordinated positions on the regional and international stages, as well as our economic ties, which began with the construction of the Aswan Dam in southern Egypt and an iron and steel plant. Today we have signed a contract for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Egypt.
Egypt has always regarded Russia as a strategic partner and an ally in all spheres. Relations between our countries developed over centuries, which was reflected in our talks with President Vladimir Putin today.
We pointed out that relations between Egypt and the Russian Federation are strong and that they continue to grow, as evidenced by our joint ventures, mutual trade and the attraction of investment.
We are aware of the importance of attracting Russian investment to Egypt through the establishment of a Russian industrial area on the Suez Canal. We have issued instructions to the concerned ministries and agencies to settle all possible problems so as to promote bilateral cooperation in the spirit of coordination reached at the talks on the construction of Egypt’s first nuclear power plant.
Ladies and gentlemen, seeking to achieve a bright future for our nations, we have coordinated our views on the regional agenda. Today we discussed issues related to our countries’ national security.
The main goal for Egypt and Russia is to ensure stability and peace in our region, in the Middle East, in order to create a better future for future generations. In this context, we discussed the Palestinian issue following the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
We also discussed the possible consequences of this serious and dangerous decision for stability and a settlement of the conflict. We also expressed confidence that Jerusalem’s legal status must be determined on the basis of international law and the relevant UN decisions, which must not complicate the situation in the region.
Your Excellency Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,
The Palestinian issue was at the top of our agenda today. We appreciate Russia’s efforts towards a peaceful and political settlement of this problem, as well as the efforts of the four-party commission on Palestine. We highly value your efforts towards a fair settlement of the oldest conflict in the region, which is still waiting for a just settlement.
Today we also spoke about the situation in Syria and Libya. We focused on the importance of a peaceful and political solution to these issues.
As for Syria, our positions coincided regarding what is called the de-escalation zone in Syria. We believe we must expand these zones to create appropriate conditions for a further peace process and negotiations between all religious and political groups in Syria.
In this context, we highly appreciated all successful efforts to form a unified delegation representing all opposition groups in coordination with the UN envoy to the regions, to achieve a political settlement that would meet the expectations of the Syrian people and preserve the country’s territorial integrity and unity.
Concerning Libya, we have voiced our decision to combine international efforts to regulate and lessen the instability in Libya in a political way; we support all the efforts of the UN envoy to that region at the next phase that should follow the transition period.
We also support holding parliamentary and presidential elections in that country to stabilise it, and the unification of military forces in Libya. I confirmed this at yesterday’s meeting with Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya Fayez Al-Sarraj.
Mr Putin and I both emphasised the exchange of intelligence information between the competent authorities in both countries to fight terrorism and destabilisation, especially because most of the militants are now moving from these hot spots in the Middle East and attacking other places in the region. We also support and urge all states to prevent them from moving to other states.
Your Excellency Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,
We note the strength of relations today between Egypt and the Russian Federation. Once again, we welcome you here on behalf of the entire Egyptian people.
We focus on building up our strategic relations and partnership in all areas.
Thank you. I will now give the floor to President Putin.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen.
I would like to begin by thanking the President of Egypt and all our Egyptian colleagues for the warm and heartfelt welcome.
Mr el-Sisi and I had very informative and constructive talks both during our limited attendance meeting and with the involvement of delegation participants, and outlined our cooperation plans for the future.
We discussed the most pressing issues on the international and regional agendas.
Russia has always put special emphasis on developing friendly and mutually beneficial ties with Egypt, our long-term and reliable partner in the Middle East and North Africa.
Bilateral cooperation is picking up pace and acquiring a new quality.
This is largely due to expanded trade and economic cooperation. Today, we noted with satisfaction that mutual trade is up 50 percent at over $4 billion as of the end of the first nine months of 2017. We noted the importance of continuing talks on creating a free trade area between Egypt and the Eurasian Economic Union.
We focused particularly on our joint work in the energy sector, including hydrocarbons and the construction of the first in Egypt El-Dabaa nuclear power plant. Once the construction is completed, Egypt will have not just a nuclear power plant, but access to the latest safe technologies as well.
We also considered another promising project, which is to build a Russian industrial zone in Egypt. We believe that it will become a major regional centre for producing and exporting Russian-made goods to the markets of the Middle East and Africa. Russia’s leading companies are already showing an interest in this project. The total investment in the project is projected at $7 billion.
We discussed interaction in agriculture. Egypt is one of the main buyers of Russian wheat. About 5.5 million tonnes of grain have already been delivered to Egypt over the past three quarters. We are ready to continue to meet the Egyptian market’s need for grain in the future.
We agreed to expand ties in the military and military-technical spheres, primarily in order to strengthen the antiterrorist potential of the armed forces of Egypt.
Of course, we could not ignore tourism. Direct air travel between our countries was suspended in the wake of the terrible tragedy in the skies over Sinai in October 2015.
Egypt used this time to do a fair amount of work to tighten airport security. The President and I discussed the sequence of future joint steps designed to resume direct air service.
The Russian security services reported to me that we are overall ready to re-open direct air service between Moscow and Cairo. We will need to sign a corresponding intergovernmental protocol. We will see to it that it is signed shortly.
We had an in-depth exchange of opinions on the major international issues. Our approaches are either very close or completely the same.
I informed the President of the steps Russia is taking to stabilise the situation in Syria. I also spoke about the results of my visit to Syria today.
As you may know, with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces, Syrian territory has been almost entirely liberated from terrorists. I believe the tasks that were to be tackled with an extensive involvement of the Russian Armed Forces have been mostly completed. Mr Sisi and I agreed to intensify our coordination to facilitate the long-term political settlement of the Syrian crisis.
We appreciate our Egyptian partners’ support of Russia’s initiative to organise the Syrian National Dialogue Congress. We plan to involve various oppositional groups in the Congress, including members of the Moscow and Cairo groups.
Russia and Egypt are also interested in ensuring stability and security in Libya, in restoring its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
We value Egypt’s constructive approach to the Middle East settlement process. We welcome the agreement that was signed here, in Cairo, between Fatah and Hamas last October, aimed at strengthening intra-Palestinian unity.
Our countries both speak in favour of the soonest possible resumption of direct Palestine-Israel dialogue on all matters of dispute, including the status of Jerusalem. It is necessary to reach long-term and fair agreements that would serve the interests of both sides.
And of course, these agreements must correspond with the earlier decisions of the international community. Russia fully supports all the UN Security Council resolutions on the issue.
We believe that any steps that run ahead of the outcome of the dialogue between the Palestinians and the Israeli are counter-productive. Such steps destabilise the situation rather than resolve it.
Finally, I would like to thank our Egyptian friends for our productive work together. I am certain that implementation of today’s decisions will benefit the further comprehensive development of the partnership between Russia and Egypt.
Thank you very much.
Meeting with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad
Vladimir Putin met with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad while on a tour of the Russian airbase at Khmeimim. The two leaders discussed the outcome of the counterterrorism operations in Syria.
December 11, 2017
13:10
Syria
With President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad.Vladimir Putin commended the results of the counterterrorism operations in Syria. “This is important for both Syria and Russia, as well as for the rest of the world,” the Russian President said.
He also expressed readiness to work with Turkey and Iran to help restore peace in Syria.
President of Syria Bashar al-Assad (re-translated): It is good to see you, Mr President.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: I believe I promised that I would come. It is good that we are meeting in such circumstances where we have things to celebrate. I am referring to the outcome of our joint work.
Bashar al-Assad: Of course, these achievements and victories are very important to us. The very theme of our meeting today – the destruction of ISIS militants – is important for the entire world and makes it clear to the entire world that the states that are willing to fight ISIS, the very virus of radical terrorism, are up to the task.
For my part, I express my deep gratitude to you – on behalf of the people of the Syrian Arab Republic – for the role played by your Armed Forces.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
This is, indeed, a meaningful outcome of our joint work. True, the threat of terrorism remains high. But the fact that we defeated ISIS, one of the main terrorist groups, here in Syria is extremely important for Syria, Russia, and the entire world.
I hope that in conjunction with Iran and Turkey, as well as the countries contributing to the eradication of terrorism, we will go beyond just restoring peaceful life and put in place a political process to resolve the situation in Syria in general. We will manage to prepare for the Syrian National Congress, which we discussed in Sochi, and to launch the peaceful settlement process.
I will have an opportunity to discuss this with the President of Egypt in Cairo and a little later with the President of Turkey. We will contact you following these talks, and I will inform you in detail about our common plans for achieving a final settlement.
Bashar al-Assad: I believe your planned visits focus on further fighting and destroying international terrorism and, at the same time, beginning the process of a peaceful settlement in Syria.
The victories that have been achieved will affect not only our state, but also all our neighbouring states, so clearly the issues discussed in this format are important for the entire region.
Vladimir Putin: Exactly so, I agree.
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