Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioğlu paid a working visit to the Russian Federation on 15-16 September 2015.

Within the scope of his visit, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu first held a tete-a-tete meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and then headed the meeting with delegations. In the meeting, views were exchanged on bilateral relations, regional and international issues including Syria.

Speaking before the meeting, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu stated that the two countries enjoyed a strong dialogue at all levels and that Turkey attached great importance to its relations with Russian Federation. Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu added that both countries had the political will to further bilateral relations in every field.

Stressing that international and regional issues such as Syria and fight against terrorism topped the agenda of both countries, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu said that both Turkey and the Russian Federation contributed to the stability in the entire region and beyond and had concerns due to the developments that could disturb regional stability. Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu added that two countries would be benefited from advancing cooperation on issues of stability, peace and security, increasing empathy between them and establishing a road map to achieve common targets. Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu asserted that Turkey and Russia would continue to cooperate closely in the upcoming period.

Stating that the turmoil in the region stoked extremism and terror and that both countries were threatened by that situation, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu emphasised the commitment shared by both countries to work together to fight against terrorism and change the conditions that brought about extremism in the first place.

Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation said that a productive dialogue based on mutual trust was established between the two countries on matters relating to Middle East and particularly Syria. Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that although opinions might diverge on issues about Middle East, both countries embraced common goals for regional stability. Foreign Minister Lavrov also added that Turkey would continue to be an important partner for the Russian Federation.