Erdogan says meeting with Putin in Ashgabat was 'fruitful'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described his Friday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as successful and fruitful. The two leaders agreed to hold a new meeting in the near future.

President Erdogan commented on the talks held the previous day in Ashgabat.

"I held a very successful, fruitful, and comprehensive conversation with Mr. (Vladimir) Putin. I particularly emphasized that I am expecting him at any moment. Therefore, we agreed that we need to meet again in the shortest possible time," Erdogan said.

The Turkish leader expressed hope that the visit would take place in due course.

He also stressed that relations between Russia and Turkey rest on a solid foundation.

"Our relations with Russia are not based on momentary interests but have deep historical roots, a strong diplomatic foundation, and mutual trust," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

He shared that the main topic discussed in Ashgabat was the conflict in Ukraine and the peace efforts aimed at its settlement.

Erdogan added that Turkey's position on this issue is well known to Putin - Turkey is focused on ending the conflict as soon as possible.

The conversation between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the International Forum 'Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future' and lasted approximately two and a half hours.