Putin & Erdogan hold first phone talk since jet downing

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday sought to heal ties in their first phone call since Ankara downed one of Moscow’s jets in Syria last year.

A statement from the Turkish presidency said Erdogan and Putin “highlighted the importance of the normalisation of bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia.” 

The November incident froze relations between the two nations and saw Moscow slap sanctions on Ankara.

Putin also condemned the “heinous” attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport Tuesday that killed at least 41 people and offered condolences to the Turkish people, the statement said.

“Reiterating their commitment to reinvigorate bilateral relations and fight terrorism together, the two leaders agreed to remain in contact and meet in person,” Erdogan’s office said.

The Kremlin confirmed that the conversation took place and said a statement would be released.