Russian and Turkish presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the situation around changing the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul from a museum to a mosque. This was announced on Monday by the Kremlin's press service following a telephone conversation between the leaders, which was initiated by the Turkish side.
"Vladimir Putin drew the attention of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the considerable public outcry in Russia over the decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The President of Turkey gave relevant explanations and noted that access to that unique monument of world civilisation would be guaranteed for all wishing to visit it, including foreign nationals, and the safety of the items sacred to Christians would be assured," the message reads.
Situation in Idlib and the settlement of the situation in Libya
The presidents also commended the interaction between the Russian and Turkish defence ministries, which allowed the stabilisation of the situation in Idlib. "They emphasised the importance of strengthening efforts to facilitate the Syrian settlement, including in the Astana format, based on the understandings on the outcome of the Russian-Turkish-Iranian summit on July 1. They commended the interaction between the Russian and Turkish defence ministries, which allowed the stabilisation of the situation in Idlib and in the North-East of the Syrian Arab Republic," the reports says.
In addition, the heads of Russia and Turkey agreed to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to end the armed conflict in Libya as soon as possible and return to the negotiation process in this country. "The parties stressed again the need for an early end to the armed confrontation and a return to negotiations in Libya on the basis of the decisions of the Berlin international conference, held on January 19, approved by UN Security Council Resolution 2510. They also agreed to invigorate joint political and diplomatic activities in this area," the Kremlin message reads.
Resumption of tourist trips
In addition, Putin and Erdogan discussed the prospects of tourist exchange with the improvement of the sanitary-epidemiologic situation. "The parties exchanged views on certain issues on the bilateral agenda, including the prospects of tourist exchange with the improvement of the sanitary-epidemiologic situation," the press service reports.
The Kremlin noted that Putin "appreciated the Turkish partners’ readiness to provide aid to a number of Russian regions in order to counter the spread of the coronavirus".
The Turkish President, who called his Russian counterpart, congratulated Vladimir Putin on the successful holding of the national vote on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
"The heads of state agreed to maintain regular dialogue, including at the top level," the message reads.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS