Putin offers Erdoğan condolences over terrorist attack

Speaking in person, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday offered condolences to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over a terrorist attack in the capital Ankara that has taken the lives of four people.

In Kazan, Russia, speaking on the sidelines of a BRICS group summit Erdoğan is attending as a guest, Putin said: "Dear Mr. President, dear colleagues, we are very glad to welcome you to Kazan. But before we start work, I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terrorist attack. Media reports are coming in about the terrorist attack in Türkiye."

Putin added that Russia condemns any manifestations of terrorism.

'Work on natural gas center is ongoing'

Putin emphasized the growth of trade, energy, and tourism ties with Türkiye during a meeting, stating that efforts on the natural gas hub continue to advance. "Last year, we shipped 20.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas through pipelines. Work on the natural gas center is ongoing," Putin said.

He also mentioned the progress at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, with expectations for energy production to begin in the first unit next year. "This is an important milestone in our energy cooperation," Putin added.

Trade between the two countries reached $55 billion last year, increasing by 6.2 percent in the first eight months of this year. The Turkish business sector has been active, particularly in the machinery and automotive industries, making significant investments in Russia.

Tourism also remains a key area of collaboration, with 6.3 million Russian tourists visiting Türkiye last year, marking a 27 percent increase. In the first eight months of this year, 4.5 million Russian tourists traveled to Türkiye,...