Turkey and Russia Are in Agreement on the Territorial Integrity of Iraq and Syria

Holding a joint press conference with President Putin of Russia, President Erdoğan said: “Unfortunately, our region recently has been becoming more fragile. The referendum has no legitimacy with regard to the Iraqi constitution and international law. Unfortunately, the regional government made a grave mistake by holding the referendum despite all friendly warnings. No one has the right to escalate the tension in our region for their self-serving short-term interests.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with President Vladimir Putin of Russia at the Presidential Complex.

“RELATIONS BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES CONTINUE TO GROW STRONGER”

Stating that the relations between Turkey and Russia continue to grow stronger, President Erdoğan underlined both countries’ determination further improve the ties.

“Economy and trade are the backbone of our bilateral relations,” President Erdoğan said, voicing his pleasure over the 22% rise in bilateral trade in the first 7 months of 2017. Pointing to the significant rise in the number of Russian tourists, visiting Turkey, President Erdoğan said: “We both agree that we can further increase the economic figures. As you know, we had set a $100 billion goal. I hope we will achieve it.”

“Energy is another item of importance in our bilateral relations. The Turkish Stream and Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant projects are underway. We attach great importance to quickly realizing them.”

“WE SHOULD PREVENT THE IKRG FROM MAKING GRAVER MISTAKES”

Noting that they also discussed regional issues, including Syria and Iraq, President Erdoğan said: “We are in agreement on the territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria.” “Unfortunately, our region recently has been becoming more fragile. The referendum has no legitimacy with regard to the Iraqi constitution and international law. Unfortunately, the regional government made a grave mistake by holding the referendum despite all friendly warnings. No one has the right to escalate the tension and throw our region into fire for their self-serving short-term interests. We have already shared with the world that our country will put in place certain measures in the face of the current picture. We should prevent the IKRG from making graver mistakes in the delicate period following the referendum. It is of great importance that the international community sides with Iraq’s territorial integrity and political unity.”

“TURKEY AND RUSSIA REAFFIRM THEIR RESOLVE TO CONTINUE CLOSE COOPERATION”

“We have also discussed recent developments regarding the Syrian issue and the outcome of the last Astana meeting,” President Erdoğan said, noting their pleasure over the Astana meetings’ contributions to the ceasefire and to the political process in Geneva, mediated by the UN.

“Turkey and Russia reaffirm their resolve to continue close cooperation and shared will for a political resolution to the Syrian conflict.”

PRESIDENT PUTIN OF RUSSIA: “WE HAVE ACHIEVED A SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT THANKS TO PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN’S WILL”

President Putin said they sincerely and constructively discussed coordinating the joint steps they would take regarding bilateral relations and the Syrian crisis.

Noting that the initiative to establish de-escalation zones in Syria emerged last May in Sochi during his meeting with President Erdoğan, President Putin said: It was really difficult to carry out the workings of these de-escalation zones. It was difficult for the sides of the Syrian conflict and also for the guarantor countries of the Astana process, Russia, Turkey and Iran. However, we have achieved a significant accomplishment despite all difficulties. Our dear friend Mr. Erdoğan’s efforts and will made it possible.”

SOURCE:TCCB