Political solution in Syria in favor of Turkey and Russia, President Erdoğan says

Political solution in Syria is the mutual goal for Turkey and Russia, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Wednesday, as he highlighted that both countries will discuss a series of ongoing issues during his visit to Russia.

Speaking at a news conference before heading to Sochi, Erdoğan said that the most important topic of his visit will be Syria, while noting that it is "about time" countries involved in Syria take a constructive step.

Erdoğan added that in his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin he will also discuss Iraq, economic relations between Turkey and Russia and enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

The fifth meeting between President Erdoğan and Vladimir Putin is scheduled to take place Wednesday in Sochi. The amelioration of economic relations, including visa requirements and trade restrictions, is listed among the meeting's agenda items.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has refuted claims regarding possible Cabinet reshuffle in the government.

Talking to media Wednesday before leaving for Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Erdogan was asked about a possible change in the Cabinet.

"There is nothing like that in the government's agenda. The chairman (Binali Yildirim) did not suggest me anything like that," Erdogan said, a day after rejoining ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.

Erdogan led the AK Party for 13 years starting in 2001 but had to step aside when he became president in August 2014, due to a legal requirement for presidents to be politically neutral.

When asked about the possible changes in the party's Central Decision Board (MKYK) and the party's administration after his reelection as AK Party's chairman on May 21, Erdogan said he would "reconsider and reevaluate the current units in the party after serious discussions."

Erdogan underlined that these things would happen "if I would be reelected."