Erdoğan, Putin back safe zones in Syria
BEIRUT - The Associated Press
![Erdoğan, Putin back safe zones in Syria](http://image.hurimg.com/i/hurriyet/75/0x0/59c9c02f45d2a027e83e1dc8.jpg)
President Erdoğan said he and Putin discussed Russia's plan for safe, or de-escalation, zones in Syria.
Erdoğan also said he hoped "this zone of de-escalation will be accepted" at talks in the Kazakh capital, which also include representatives of Iran and the United States.
"We both proceed on the basis that -- and this is our common position -- the creation of safe zones should lead to further pacification and cessation of hostilities," Putin said.
Relations between Moscow and Ankara deteriorated after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane at the Syrian border in November 2015 and Russia responded with trade and tourism sanctions.
But Putin said relations have been restored.