ANKARA

Cooperation in various fields between Türkiye and Russia is beneficial for the people of the two nations, the chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia said Thursday.

Valentina Matviyenko was speaking at a joint news conference with Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus.

Matviyenko said that during Kurtulmus’ visit to Russia last September, an agreement was reached on making inter-parliamentary dialogue more active.

She also said that today, both bilateral and regional issues were discussed effectively.

Stating that there was mutual agreement on elevating relations to a different level, she underlined that the efforts should be based on principles such as mutual interests, respect and a balance of benefits.

She noted that all areas of bilateral relations, including security, were addressed at today’s meeting.

Matviyenko also highlighted that the trade volume between the two countries has increased and the areas of cooperation have expanded.

Drawing attention to the trade volume target set by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, she said the two countries could conduct trade in local currencies and that alternative mechanisms could be developed for payments.

She pointed out that the two countries have reached a strategic level of cooperation in certain areas, using the energy sector as an example.

Matviyenko described the work at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Türkiye’s as a "clear example" of the commercial and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Emphasizing the intensive dialogue between Erdogan and Putin, she said it serves as an example of how solutions can be found even in difficult situations.

Referring to the discussions between the two leaders last year, she said that parliaments should also provide the necessary support for this dialogue.

On Türkiye’s policy on the Russia-Ukraine war, Matviyenko praised President Erdogan and the Turkish government.

"They (Türkiye) are in favor of finding a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. Serious steps are being taken for this,” she said.

Matviyenko also referred to the talks held in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, stating that an agreement was almost reached but Ukraine stepped back.

Sharing information about the content of the talks between Russian and US officials in Istanbul today, Matviyenko expressed hope that these meetings would lead to a return to "civilized dialogue.”

Matvienko said the Biden administration had "almost destroyed relations,” noting that contacts between Ankara and Moscow are “extremely intense.”

She pointed out that Russia, like Türkiye, supports a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue for peace in the Middle East.

On Syria, Matviyenko said the new government in Damascus is going through a difficult period.

She also said that Moscow is in favor of preserving Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty and that dialogue with the new government is ongoing.