Turkish, Russian defense ministers meet in Ankara

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar visits the military base near Turkish-Iraqi border in Silopi district of Sirnak province, Turkey on 2 February, 2019 [Arif Akdoğan/Anadolu Agency]

Turkey’s National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Monday met his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoigu in the Turkish capital Ankara reports Anadolu Agency.

Akar chaired talks with his Russian counterpart and the delegations at the Defense Ministry.

“Turkey is talking with Russia at all levels to restore peace and stability in the region and protect interests of both countries,” Akar said.

He also said that efforts to boost bilateral relations are “valuable” and will contribute to peace and regional stability.

The meeting comes ahead of a planned summit on Syria between the leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran in the Russian resort city of Sochi on Thursday.

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