UPDATE - Erdogan, Putin meet on sidelines of BRICS summit

ADDS MORE QUOTES FROM ERDOGAN AND PUTIN, AND CHANGES LEDE

By Enes Kaplan, Ilkay Guder and Nilay Kar Onum

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a one-on-one meeting on Thursday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Johannesburg, on the sidelines of ongoing BRICS summit.

The two leaders met at 7.55 p.m. Turkish time [1655 GMT] to discuss various issues mainly Syria, bilateral ties, and the upcoming Tehran summit as part of the Astana process. The meeting lasted for 75 minutes.

“Any kind of solidarity between us makes someone jealous,” said Erdogan before the meeting.

There has been improvement in all fields including political, military, economic, culture and trade between the countries, Erdogan said.

Recalling a $100 billon-trade volume target between the two countries he said: “I believe [...] we will realize this target.”

The Turkish president also praised tourism figures between Russia and Turkey, saying: “I think some 6 million [Russian] tourists will visit Turkey this year.”

Putin expressed his gratitude over carrying out joint projects with Turkey.

“Our relations will always continue to overcome various crises,” the Russian president said. “Our relations in the economy will also improve.”

Putin added: “I am very happy to meet you.”

Erdogan and Putin have spoken over the phone 16 times this year to discuss regional issues, particularly Syria, and bilateral relations.