The meeting took place at Zhukovsky International Airport in Russia where the MAKS-2019, an annual Russia aviation and space fair, is taking place.

The two leaders discussed recent developments in Syria, particularly escalated tension in Idlib and ongoing Turkish-American efforts to set up a safe zone on the Turkish-Syrian border in the northeastern Euphrates.

Turkey has expressed concerns over the intensified military actions of the Syrian regime into Idlib on the grounds that they can ignite a humanitarian crisis and a fresh refugee influx.

Putin’s spokesman, Dimitri Peskov, sought to ease Ankara’s concerns through a statement a day before Erdogan’s visit by saying that Russian understands the Turkish worries about Idlib.

However, he added that Russia is equally concerned over the increased presence of jihadist terrorists in the enclave, although a Turkish-Russian deal brokered in September 2018 suggested the withdrawal of all terror elements from the demilitarized province.

Reporter’s code: 50101