Erdoğan and Putin speaks over the phone 2020-07-13 15:46:55 NEWS CENTER - President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Chair of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. According to a statement from the Turkish presidency, Erdoğan and Putin discussed steps to improve biliteral ties and economic cooperation as well as a joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also stated that regional developments, especially in Syria and Libya, were highlighted during their discussion, while Erdoğan and Putin agreed on strengthening bilateral ties to benefit regional peace, security and stability.