Yildirim: Turkey's normalization of relations with Russia starts

Normalization of relations between Turkey and Russia has started, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said, adding that an improvement in ties with all Black Sea and Mediterranean countries was an important goal.

Yildirim made the comments to members of his ruling AK Party in parliament. He was speaking a day after Turkey expressed regret to Russia over the downing of a warplane last year, seeking to mend strained alliances, Reuters reports.

"Finally, indirect contacts between our leaders have produced results. The ice in relations begins to melt. The stage of normalization between Russia and Turkey has started. I wish happiness to both nations," TASS cited him as saying.

Yildirim noted that other states have also "done a lot so that the relations between Ankara and Moscow could reach the current stage." "We especially thank our brothers - Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and other regional countries and their leaders for great efforts in this issue," he added.