Erdogan to Putin: We are waiting for you in Turkey, we are sincere friends of Russia

Turkey will continue to play a special role in the Ukrainian settlement. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Tianjin, China, on the sidelines of the SCO leaders' summit today, September 1.

"We are grateful to our Turkish friends for their significant contribution to the political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. Since May of this year, three rounds of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks have already been held at the Istanbul venue, which have made it possible to advance in resolving a number of practical issues in the humanitarian sphere," Putin said. "I am sure that Turkey's special role in these matters will continue to be in demand."

Putin also said that Moscow considers Turkey as a reliable, time-tested partner both in bilateral affairs and in the international arena.

"We also focus on topics of common interest, such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Transcaucasia. Russian-Turkish cooperation in all these areas is well—established, has a concrete, useful and, I would say, trusting character," the Russian leader said.

"We are satisfied with the dynamics of trade and economic cooperation. Last year, the volume of trade increased by 6.6%, and in the first half of this year it increased by almost 3%," Putin added.

Erdogan recalled that he was waiting for Putin to visit Turkey.

"My invitation remains valid. We look forward to welcoming you to our country as soon as possible. We have a sincere relationship based on trust. Our relations are developing without being influenced by current circumstances," Erdogan said.