Moscow makes much of Russia-Turkey inter-regional cooperation

Moscow sets great store by inter-regional co-operation between Russia and Turkey and is prepared to promote it in every way, Russia's Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said on Tuesday, opening a meeting with Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek.

Moscow is pleased with the development of relations with Turkey, Ivanov noted. According to him, leaders of the two countries regularly discuss by phone the current international issues.

Trade and economic co-operation is also developing efficiently, the diplomatic chief indicated. According to him, such a major project as Blue Stream is demonstrating the capabilities of the sides in this sphere.

Ivanov emphasised that Moscow regards Russia-Turkey inter-regional co-operation as a "key ingredient". "And the relations between Moscow and Ankara symbolises the level of relations developing between the countries," he said.

Gokcek is in Moscow to attend the Days of Ankara, being held in the Russian capital by Moscow's City Hall. In April of last year Ankara hosted the Days of Moscow.