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Russia respects Turkey’s approach to Ukraine issue despite differences — Lavrov

"We certainly take note of and appreciate Ankara’s responsible approach to its obligations under the Montreux Convention," Russia's top diplomat said

MOSCOW, March 16. /TASS/. Moscow and Ankara have different approaches to the situation in Ukraine but Russia respects and appreciates Turkey’s position, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday.

"Today, the key issue for us is the situation in Ukraine and the need to resolve it as soon as possible. It is no secret that our positions on the issue are different but we do appreciate and respect Turkey’s stance and seek to deal with challenges created by the current crisis in an objective manner," Lavrov noted.

"We certainly take note of and appreciate Ankara’s responsible approach to its obligations under the Montreux Convention," he added.

The Russian top diplomat also stressed that apart from the situation in Ukraine, the meeting’s agenda also included an exchange of views on developments in Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and the South Caucasus.

In addition, Lavrov pointed to a rich bilateral agenda. "We will pay special attention to preparations for a meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council that will be held in Turkey based on a decision made by the two country’s presidents. I am sure that we will be able to agree on dates given all the circumstances," he said.

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