Turkish defense minister meets his Russian counterpart

By Sarp Ozer and Emre Gurkan Abay

ANKARA / MOSCOW

Turkey’s National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar met his Russian counterpart on Friday.

Akar and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head Hakan Fidan flew to Moscow in the early hours of the day.

Akar and Fidan, who were welcomed with a military ceremony, met Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and other senior officials.

A statement by Russian Defense Ministry said the two ministers discussed regional security issues, including the latest developments in Syria.

"Special attention has been paid to the rapid resolution of humanitarian issues in Syria and the return of the refugees to their country," it said.

Mutual cooperation in the defense sector was also discussed, the statement said.