Putin, Erdogan hold first phone call since Russian bomber's downingJune 29, 2016 - 15:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, June 29 sought to heal ties in their first phone call since Ankara downed one of Moscow's jets in Syria last year, AFP reports. A statement from the Turkish presidency said Erdogan and Putin "highlighted the importance of the normalisation of bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia." The November incident froze relations between the two nations and saw Moscow slap sanctions on Ankara. Putin also condemned the "heinous" attack at Istanbul's Ataturk airport Tuesday that killed at least 41 people and offered condolences to the Turkish people, the statement said. "Reiterating their commitment to reinvigorate bilateral relations and fight terrorism together, the two leaders agreed to remain in contact and meet in person," Erdogan's office said. The Kremlin confirmed that the conversation took place and said a statement would be released, AFP says. The breakthrough phone call by Putin came after Erdogan on Monday sent a letter to the Kremlin leader that Moscow said contained an apology. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |