Erdogan Pledges to Ensure Russian Tourists' Safety in Turkey - Kremlin

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, the two leaders held a phone conversation initiated by Moscow. In June, Putin signed a decree lifting restrictions on Russian citizens traveling to Turkey after Erdogan apologized for the downing of a Russian Su-24 attack aircraft by a Turkish jet in November 2015 and extended his condolences to the family of the pilot killed in the incident.

"The Russian president said that the number of Russian tourists in Turkey increased significantly after the restrictive measures were lifted, expressing hope that the Turkish side is able to ensure their safety in the current difficult conditions. Recep Erdogan stressed that all the necessary steps will be taken in this regard," the Kremlin said in a press statement.

Late on Friday, Turkish authorities said that an attempted coup is taking place in the country. The coup attempt was reportedly suppressed by early Saturday, with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stating that all coup supporters have been detained and the country is returning to normal life. Over 180 were killed and 1,470 were injured during the events, while nearly 3,000 people have been detained, according to the prime minister.