Putin focusing on relations with Turkey

MOSCOW, July 19 (UPI) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin spoke with his Turkish counterpart Saturday in an effort to improve relations between the two nations, a spokesman says.

Government spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin focused on economic and trade relations while speaking with Turkish Prime Minster Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ITAR-TASS reported.

The two prime ministers also discussed a group of young Russian travelers who endured a litany of problems during a visit to Turkey.

Erdogan assured Putin a Turkish official was en route to the Turkish city of Antayla to assist the young travelers with any difficulties.

Peskov told ITAR-TASS that Putin wants Russian Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko to play a more active role in Russian tourism to ensure such international travel problems do not occur in the future.