1st LD: Putin says meeting with Erdogan key for future of ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday's meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan is very important for the future of bilateral ties.

"We've had a comprehensive and constructive, I would like to emphasize, (meeting) on a broad range of issues including bilateral relations and global issues," Putin told the press conference after his meeting with Erdogan.

"I believe that we have all the necessary prerequisites and opportunities for restoring the relations between our two countries to the full extent and Russia is ready and willing to do that," Putin added.

To promote bilateral economic cooperation, the two presidents talked about the Turkish stream pipeline project and construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, as well as ways to revive tourism.

Putin also announced a mid-term cooperation program that spans the years 2016 to 2019. Under the program, intergovernmental commissions of the two countries would resume contacts.

On the Syrian crisis, the Russian president reiterated that his country is determined to find a compromise on the issue with Ankara.

"As far as coordination of our views and methods is concerned, it is possible because we have a joint goal. The joint goal is settlement of the Syrian crisis. I believe that we shall look for satisfactory joint decisions on this basis, based on this mutual approach," Putin said. Endi