MOSCOW, June 30 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted a ban on Turkish tourism and ordered trade talks between the two countries months after the downing of a Russian military jet by Turkey plunged diplomatic relations into crisis.
Putin said he held "constructive" phone talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that focused on "restoration of the traditionally friendly" relations between the two countries. They plan to meet soon, the Kremlin said. Putin also offered "deep condolences" for the Istanbul attacks on Tuesday that left 42 dead and hundreds injured.