Our ‘solidarity makes someone jealous,’ Erdoğan tells Putin

JOHANNESBURG - Anadolu Agency

Solidarity between Ankara and Moscow “makes someone jealous,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said at a meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Johannesburg, on the sidelines of the ongoing BRICS summit.

The two leaders met for a one-on-one meeting late July 26 to discuss various issues, mainly Syria, bilateral ties, and the upcoming Tehran summit as part of the Astana process. The meeting lasted for 75 minutes.

“Any kind of solidarity between us makes someone jealous,” said Erdoğan before the meeting. There has been improvement in all fields including political, military, economic, culture, and trade between the countries, Erdoğan said.

“I believe [...] we will realize this target,” said the president, recalling a $100 billion-trade volume target between the two countries.

“I think six million [Russian] tourists will visit Turkey this year,” said the Turkish president, also praising tourism figures between Russia and Turkey.

Putin expressed his gratitude over carrying out joint projects with Turkey. “Our relations will always continue to overcome various crises,” the Russian president said. “Our relations in the economy will also improve,” he said.

“I am very happy to meet you,” said Putin. Erdoğan and Putin have spoken over the phone 16 times this year to discuss regional issues, particularly Syria, and bilateral relations.