Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the parties called for intensification of the political process over Karabakh, the Kremlin press service reported.

It is noted that the conversation took place on the initiative of the Turkish side.

“The situation in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone was discussed in detail. Both sides reaffirmed the need to maintain a humanitarian ceasefire, which was agreed on 10 October. Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan are in favor of intensifying the political process, particularly within the framework of the Minsk Group,” the statement said.

Putin has expressed serious concern over the involvement of militants from the Middle East region in hostilities in Karabakh. They also stressed the need for solidarity efforts to stop the bloodshed in Karabakh as soon as possible and move on to a peaceful settlement.

“It is hoped that Turkey, as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group, will make a constructive contribution to escalating the conflict,” the statement said.