Erdogan: Turkey Awaits Different Russian Approach on Syria
Ahead of the official meeting between the Turkish and Russian presidents, the former says he expects a different approach from Russia regarding Syria.
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Erdogan leaves the Turkish Consulate General in NY on his way to the UN on September 21 (AFP)
On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he expects a different approach from Russia on Syria, ahead of the announced official meeting between the two countries' presidents scheduled in Sochi on September 29.
President Erdogan said his expectation from the meeting with President Putin is "very different", adding that "the regime in Syria poses a threat in the south of Turkey. So, as a friend to Russia, I expect from Putin and Russia a different approach as a requirement of solidarity."
The Turkish President confirmed on Thursday that important issues and decisions will be discussed in the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi.
Possible purchase of a new batch of S-400s
Two Turkish officials had announced earlier that the Turkish President would hold talks with his Russian counterpart on Syria and the Nagorno-Karabakh region and discuss the possibility of Ankara buying a new batch of the Russian S-400 defense system.
The two officials stated that Erdogan's visit will be for two days and will take place following his visit to the United Nations in New York.
Turkey, a NATO member, had bought the Russian S-400 air defense system, which led the United States to impose sanctions on the Turkish defense industry. Ankara is currently in talks with Moscow over the possibility of buying a second batch.