Russian and Turkish presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan will not discuss Crimea at talks in Sochi, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
"No, this topic is not usually discussed. In terms of Crimea, there is nothing to discuss with the Turkish side. Except that the president has repeatedly invited Mr. Erdogan to Crimea just to see what is really there," Peskov said when asked if the Russian side plans to raise the issue of the recognition of Crimea.
The Kremlin spokesman specified that "the first exchange of phrases between the two presidents, their greetings", will be open to the press. The talks are scheduled to begin after 1 p.m. Moscow time. Peskov also clarified that no press statements were planned following the talks.
He assured that epidemiological security is "properly ensured," but did not answer the question of whether the Turkish leader was vaccinated. "I can't talk about the president of the Republic of Turkey. That would be incorrect of me," Peskov noted.
One-on-one talks
According to Peskov, the talks will take place in a one-on-one format with the participation of interpreters. "Today will be part of the working day devoted to international affairs, his [Putin's] communication with Erdogan will take place as part of the working visit," the Kremlin spokesman explained. - "The communication is planned in a one-on-one format with the participation of interpreters, the two presidents will first hold talks and then continue communicating over a working breakfast."
Earlier, Peskov told TASS that no documents were expected to be signed following the talks.
As the Kremlin explained on Tuesday, the talks are planned to discuss "various aspects of the Russian-Turkish partnership in political and trade and economic areas." The Russian leader's press service added that "there will also be a detailed exchange of views on topical international issues, including developments in Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and Transcaucasia."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Mikhail Metzel / TASS
Based on materials from TASS