Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak addresses at opening day of the 86th Izmir International Fair. in Izmir. Turkey on August 18. 2017
Ankara is a `crucial` trade partner for Moscow. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Friday.
`Multi-dimensional cooperation of our countries is developing.` Novak said while in Turkey’s Aegean province of Izmir during an address at opening day of the 86th Izmir International Fair. where Russia is attending as a partner country.
Novak said Russia and Turkey were enhancing cooperation in several fields. including industry. transport. agriculture and construction.
`For instance. [bilateral] trade volume increased by 28 percent in the first half of this year.` he said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan frequently reiterates that Turkey`s desire is to increase mutual trade volume with Russia up to $100 billion.
After Turkey shot down a Russian military jet over an airspace violation in November 2015. Moscow took several measures against Ankara. including banning imports of Turkish agricultural products and ending visa-free travel for Turks.
In June. Moscow lifted the ban on some agricultural produce and Turkish companies involved in construction. engineering and tourism.
