Syria high on agenda as Putin and Erdogan meet in Sochi

Russian and Turkish leaders discuss situation in war-torn country, security issues and economic links at first in-person meeting for 18 months.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have concluded talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional security issues, including the situation in war-torn Syria.

Wednesday’s meeting in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi lasted for nearly three hours, marking the pair’s first in-person meeting for 18 months. Neither leader made any immediate statement after the discussions ended.

Russia and Turkey have historically had complex relations, balancing regional rivalries with finding common ground on economic and strategic interests.