VLADIVOSTOK. Sept 5 (Interfax) - Turkey deserves to be a member of a international group of the G7 type, considering its might and influence on global affairs, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Eastern Economic Forum on Thursday.
"Turkish President Erdogan has spoken with me lately. [...] He asked me why I did not call for involving Turkey in the format. After S-400 systems have been procured and Turkey's airspace has been solidly protected, of course, Turkey's activity in such format would be relevant and appropriate, considering its role in global affairs and the region," Putin said.
He was asked whether the G7 or G8 format could be expanded.