Putin, Erdogan Agree to Coordinate Steps on Syria Zones
- Meeting follows agreement on de-escalation zone in Idlib
- Russian, Turkish leaders agree to improve energy cooperation
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to take coordinated steps to set up and monitor a combat-free zone in Syria, while reaffirming a commitment to build a new gas pipeline and Turkey’s first nuclear power plant.
Putin’s visit comes two weeks after Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed to establish a de-escalation zone in the Syrian province of Idlib -- currently largely controlled by Islamic militants -- and to monitor violations by opposition groups or forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.