Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and his Turkish opposite number Recep Tayyip Erdogan (File photo)[/caption]Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in an attempt to boost ties.
The talks between the two leaders slated to be held in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Monday are expected to focus on energy cooperation as well as major diplomatic issues while Ankara seeks a reduction in gas prices from Russia and larger import volumes.
It is Erdogans first face-to-face meeting with Putin since the former took office as president in August.
Moscow and Ankara have managed to maintain their strong relations in the face of several disputes as the two counties are at odds over the crises in Ukraine and Syria.
However, the disputes have not damaged other aspects of cooperation between the two nations, with over four million Russian tourists visiting Turkey annually and Russia constructing Turkeys first nuclear power plant in a 20-billion-dollar project.
Turkey-Russia relations remain stable, maintaining continuity and not depending on the current situation, President Putin said in an interview with Turkey's Anatolia news agency ahead of his visit.
He admitted that the two nations might have different positions on some issues, but added it is natural for states carrying out an independent foreign policy.
Russias state gas giant Gazprom had promised to raise deliveries this year to Turkey to 30 billion cubic meters of gas. However, the anticipated figure has now dropped due to the crisis in Ukraine, which is a key transit country.
By Press TV
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