Russia, Turkey Setting Up High-level Joint Working Group

Russia and Turkey are creating a new mechanism for consultations - a high-level joint working group which will include the two countries' foreign ministry officials, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov has told journalists. During his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, they signed a plan of actions to develop cooperation between the two countries in Eurasia. "Perhaps, it is the first Russian-Turkish document to set out in so much detail areas for the two countries' dialogue and interaction," Ivanov said. He pointed out that Russia and Turkey have many common interests. During the work on the plan, the two countries established the proximity of Moscow's and Ankara's views on the international situation, including the main principles of building the world order in the 21st century. Russia and Turkey have expressed their readiness to make a joint contribution to the international community's efforts to combat international terrorism and other global threats and challenges in all forms and manifestations. "We will work more closely in trade and economic cooperation, as well as develop broad contacts in the cultural and humanitarian spheres," Ivanov said. On the whole, he pointed out, the document is intended to "give a new impetus to good-neighbourly relations between our countries and ensure the establishment of an atmosphere of openness and trust."