Russian-Turkish Public Forum starts in Saint Petersburg

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Fifth session of the Russian-Turkish Public Forum has started in Saint Petersburg on July 11, 2019. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Co-сhairman of the Turkish side of the forum Ahmet Berat Conkar reminded that the relations between Turkey and Russia have a very long history and stated that this relationship has become multidimensional. Conkar called Russia "a valuable partner" of Turkey and highlighted the role of Russian and Turkish presidents in building strong ties between the two countries. He praised Russian-Turkish cooperation in energy, defense and economy and emphasized the importance of the humanitarian ties -- high number of marriages between Turks and Russians and mutual tourism. Conkar expressed hope that the visa-free regime between the two countries will be restored soon. Russian-Turkish Public Forum was established in 2010 by the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to strengthen cooperation and ties between the two countries in the humanitarian domain.(Footage by Ali Cura/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)