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Lavrov: Russia, Turkey pursue common goals for Middle East settlement

Despite some differences in approaches the two countries seek to achieve common goals of resolving the situation in the region, Russian Foreign Minister says

SOCHI, September 17. /TASS/. Russia and Turkey are pursuing the same goals of achieving peaceful settlement in the Middle East despite some differences in approaches, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.

"Turkey is our important partner in the international arena. We cooperate on regional and global problems, including the issues of developing the Black Sea economic cooperation," Lavrov told his Turkish counterpart Feridun Sinirlioglu in the Russian resort city of Sochi.

Russia and Turkey "improve the exchange of views on a whole range of international issues such as the situation in Syria and the entire Middle East region and North Africa," Lavrov said.

Lavrov stressed that despite "some differences in approaches" the two countries seek to achieve common goals of resolving the situation in the region. "We have common goals and they are that we want this region to be stable and democratic."