Putin meets Erdogan first time after Russian jet’s downing

Moscow, Aug 9 (IANS) Turkish President Recep Tayip Ergodan on Tuesday met Russian President Vladimir Putin to give a fresh start to the bilateral relations of the two countries which nosedived after Turkish military downed a Russian fighter jet last November.

This was the two leaders' first meeting after the downing of Russian fighter jet by Turkey on November 23 last year, RT news reported.

"Your visit, which comes amid a very complicated situation in Turkey, indicates that all of us want to revive our dialogue and restore relations for the sake of the Turkish and Russian peoples," Putin said, greeting Erdogan in St. Petersburg.

Erdogan said he appreciates Putin's willingness to meet him in person. "I once again express my gratitude to you for this opportunity to be with you and meet you," he said.

The two leaders are expected to come out with a "roadmap" to help bring Russia-Turkey relations to a new level.