28 November 2016, 16:33 GMT
GORKI (Sputnik) — At the beginning of 2016, Russia has imposed a number of restrictive measures, including a ban on food and flowers imports, on Turkey in response to the downing of a Russian military aircraft by a Turkish fighter jet in Syria on November 24, 2015.
In June, following Ankara's apology to Russia for the November 2015 incident, the sides began a reconciliation process. In August, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would gradually lift the economic restrictions imposed on Turkey.
"No, we have very short time until the end of the year," Tkachev told reporters, adding that the issue was discussed at talks between Russian and Turkish prime ministers earlier on Tuesday.
"Naturally, the decision will depend on many factors, including phytosanitary…the Turkish side still cannot ensure the safety of products supplied for the Russian market, that is why Russia's [agricultural watchdog] Rosselkhoznadzor will thoroughly analyze the situation in all areas [before the lifting of embargo]," the minister stressed.
On October 10, Putin announced the removal of embargo on Turkish fresh and dried oranges, tangerines, peaches, nectarines, plums and sloes. The imports of tomatoes, apples, strawberries, zucchinis, pumpkins and most poultry products are still banned.
