Anadolu Agency, Turkey
May 17 2009

TURKISH AND RUSSIAN PREMIERS HOLD JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE IN SOCHI

SOCHI (A.A) – 17.05.2009 – Prime ministers of Turkey and Russia held a
joint press conference following their talks in the Russian city of
Sochi on Saturday. During the press conference, Turkish Premier Recep
Tayyip Erdogan pointed to the importance of the regional cooperation
between Turkey and Russia, and said that the two countries had certain
responsibilities in their region.

"We have to take some steps to provide peace and happiness in our
region. These steps include the Upper Karabakh issue between
Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Middle East issue and the developments
regarding Cyprus," Erdogan said.

Commenting on Turkish-Russian relations, Erdogan said that the trade
volume between the two countries exceeded 35 billion USD as of the end
of 2008.

Noting that Turkey has become a popular destination for Russian
tourists, Erdogan said energy was another important cooperation area
between the countries.

Erdogan said activities regarding Blue Stream continued, moreover,
ways to get electrical energy from Russia was an issue discussed by
the officials of the two countries.

Speaking at the conference, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said
that petroleum, gas, electricity and atomic energy were the prior
issues in Turkish-Russian relations.

Regarding his talks with Erdogan, Putin said regional and
international matters were discussed during their meeting and the two
countries had a common opinion on many issues.

Upon a question on the Karabakh issue, Putin said that Turkey and
Russia desired an immediate solution on this matter and they were
ready to extend all the necessary support.

After completing his talks in Russia, Premier Erdogan returned to
Turkey in the evening on Saturday. (DO-AY)

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress