Putin, Erdogan hold phone talks on regional, global issues

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call on Sunday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, discussing bilateral relations and regional and global issues, reported Xinhua, quoting Erdogan's office.

During the phone talk, Erdogan said the two sides aimed to enhance cooperation in various fields, particularly the expansion of bilateral trade volume.

Meanwhile, Erdogan pledged that his country will continue to contribute to the peace process.

Türkiye, which maintains good relations with both Ukraine and Russia, has been acting as a mediator between the two countries since their conflict broke out in February 2022.

On Wednesday, Erdogan said the U.S. decision to allow Kiev to deploy its long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia is "a move aimed at fueling the war."

"It appears to be a move aimed at fueling the war, ensuring it does not end, and even encouraging its spread," Erdogan told reporters on his flight back to Türkiye from Brazil, where he attended the Group of 20 summit, according to a report by semi-official Anadolu Agency.