ANKARA, October 19 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Turkey expects a visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the invitation extended to him by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remains in effect, a source in the Turkish government told RIA Novosti.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s invitation for Vladimir Putin to visit Turkey remains open, the source said.

According to the source, Ankara is interested in continuing direct dialogue with Moscow regarding bilateral relations and the regional agenda.

High-level contacts are essential for discussing issues of mutual interest, including the situation in the Black Sea and prospects for ensuring the safety of navigation, the source said.

The Turkish side expects the Russian president’s visit to take place once necessary arrangements are agreed, he added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar