Vladimir Putin phones Günay at tourism fair

MOSCOW - Doğan News Agency

Ertuğrul Günay.

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay received a surprise call from Vladimir Putin when he visited Moscow for a tourism fair.

Günay visited the Intourmarket fair, which was supported by the Russian government, ministry for sport, tourism and youth policy of the Russian Federation, Federal Agency for tourism and World Tourism Organization.

While Günay was in conversation with Vitali Mutko, Russia’s tourism minister, Putin called and asked to talk with Günay. After the minute-long phone call Günay said it was pleasure to talk with Putin.

During the signature ceremony of the “Joint Movement Plan” between Turkey and Russia, which Günay also attended, he said: “Vladimir Putin called me. It was such an honor for me. He wanted me to send his best wishes to [Turkish Prime Minister] Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. I would like to thank him and share this with everyone.”

Günay said: “Today Turkey and Russia have very important plans in terms of trade and tourism. Russia is a very important country for Turkey’s tourism.”

Günay added Turkey wished to continue that cooperation with Russia in the future.