Presidents of Russia and Turkey Vladimir Putin and Tayyip Erdogan in a telephone conversation discussed in detail all aspects of implementing the agreements fixed in the November 9 Statement of the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia on Nagorno-Karabakh, the Kremlin's press service reports. The conversation was initiated by the Turkish side.
The press service added that "both sides noted the need to consistently and fully carry out the decisions aimed at ensuring stability and restoring peaceful life in the region".
Establishment of a center to control the ceasefire
The parties discussed issues related to the establishment of a joint Russian-Turkish center to control the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. "The Presidents exchanged views on the continuing efforts to establish a center to monitor the ceasefire and to prevent hostilities in the conflict zone," the report says.
The memorandum on establishing a joint Russian-Turkish center to control the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh was signed on November 11 following negotiations between Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Turkish Military Minister Hulusi Akar.
The Turkish leader's office informed on Tuesday that Erdogan, during a conversation with Putin, "expressed hope that the joint center that Turkey would set up with Russia to monitor and control [the ceasefire] becomes operational as soon as possible".
Humanitarian issues
Putin and Tayyip Erdogan discussed issues related to humanitarian problems in Nagorno-Karabakh, including those related to the return of refugees and preservation of cultural sites.
"Vladimir Putin informed the Turkish President about the activities of the Russian peacekeepers that are effectively ensuring the ceasefire and the security of the civilian population. The Russian leader also emphasized the priority of resolving urgent humanitarian problems related to the return of refugees, the restoration of the infrastructure and preservation of religious and cultural landmarks," the report said.
Development of vaccines against coronavirus
Putin and Tayyip Erdogan also discussed the importance of coordination in the development and production of coronavirus vaccines. "The presidents expressed their desire to continue cooperation in countering the coronavirus pandemic. They emphasized the priority task of coordinating efforts on developing, producing and administering vaccines", the report says.
On November 11, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation stated that Turkey expressed its interest in organizing the production of the "Sputnik V" vaccine from the new coronavirus at the facilities of its pharmaceutical manufacturers.
On August 11, Russia was the first in the world to register the vaccine against the coronavirus based on two strains of adenovirus, it was named "Sputnik V". The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology and passed clinical trials in June and July. On August 15 the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation reported about the beginning of the drug production. The third (post-registration) stage of clinical trials of the Russian vaccine started on August 25.
It is expected that the price for the Russian medicine "Sputnik V" will be announced this week. On its Twitter page, it was posted that the vaccine would cost much less than the products of Pfizer and Moderna.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS