During a working visit to Russia, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delegated the duties of the presidency to Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, who is serving as Acting President. The government’s Official Gazette published the document confirming this arrangement.
Erdoğan departed for Sochi on September 4 to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In line with Article 106 of the Turkish Constitution, the vice president assumes presidential responsibilities for the duration of Erdoğan’s absence.
Until June 2023, these duties were fulfilled by former Vice President Fuat Oktay. The current transition in leadership underscores a constitutional mechanism designed to ensure continuity of governance while the president is away.
The September 4 meeting in Sochi between Putin and Erdoğan is anticipated to cover a range of regional and global issues. Early in the talks, Putin indicated a focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its resolution, along with discussions on the Black Sea grain initiative and the broader situation in Syria. These topics reflect strategic concerns shared by both countries as they navigate complex geopolitical dynamics.
Following the talks, Erdoğan is expected to announce the outcomes of the discussions with President Putin and the Turkish authorities on September 5, signaling the next steps for bilateral cooperation and regional policy. The two leaders have previously emphasized the importance of strengthening monetary and financial cooperation, including considerations around currency use in bilateral trade, as part of ongoing efforts to diversify economic ties and reduce dependence on external financial mechanisms.
Past interactions between Erdoğan and Putin have highlighted their focus on pragmatic cooperation across security, energy, and economic issues. The most recent discussions continue to explore avenues for deeper collaboration while addressing shared challenges in the region, such as security arrangements in neighboring areas and the stabilization of critical supply chains. The dialogue remains a key element of Turkey’s broader strategic posture in relation to Russia and the broader Eurasian landscape, with implications for regional stability and economic resilience. This ongoing engagement is documented in official government communications and subsequent bilateral statements as part of routine governance and diplomatic practice.