国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Russia, Turkey to lift trade restrictions, enhance cooperation in Syria_时事

国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Russia, Turkey to lift trade restrictions, enhance cooperation in Syria

Russia introduced bans on many commodities amid escalated tensions between the two countries after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian border in November 2017. In Response, Turkey imposed a prohibitive import tariff on Russian exports of wheat, maize and sunflower oil, of which Turkey is a major buyer.

During the meeting, Putin and Erdogan also discussed ways of addressing the Syrian conflict and reiterate their shared pledge on working together to end the crisis in the war-torn country.

"Mr. President (Erdogan) and I believe that the Syrian crisis may be solved exclusively by political means. But for this political process to develop, a ceasefire should be secured." Putin said.

The two presidents voiced support for the idea to create safe zones or de-escalation zones in Syria, a proposal backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that it should lead to further pacification of the parties and to the strengthening of the ceasefire regime.

"This issue (on safe zones) is the most important one (at talks) in Astana. I hope that a decision on creating de-escalation zones will be adopted to secure further settlement." Erdogan said.

"We all believe that it is necessary to create mechanisms which would guarantee stopping the bloodshed and creating conditions for political dialogue. In this sense, our position coincides fully with that of the Turkish president." Putin said.

As to the alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria's Idlib Province in early April, Putin and Erdogan agreed that those responsible should be brought to justice, in spite of previous divergence over who was to be held accountable.