Putin: We Must Carry Out Ataturk’s Vision

Putin signed the Anitkabir Special Guest Book: "The memory of the Turkish people’s great son Ataturk is highly valued in my country. He took the initial steps in the development of a friendship between our countries. Our mission is to honor his memory, continue his achievements, and to build a strong mutual understanding and friendship on the foundations he created."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, Energy Secretary Victor Khristenko, Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaymiyev, and Ingushetia President Murat Zyazikov accompanied Putin on his visit. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul dined together at the Foreign Ministry residence where Turkey’s European Union (EU) process, especially the Cyprus issue, and recent developments in the Caucasus were discussed. Meanwhile, Russian Federation Naval Army Commander Vice Admiral Vladimir Ivanovich Kuroyedov met with Turkish Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ozden Ornek.