Russia and Turkey made big steps towards normalizing relations when Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in St. Petersburg Tuesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan Aug. 9, 2016. [Photo: world.huanqiu.com]

After the meeting, Putin announced Moscow would gradually phase out sanctions against Ankara.

Erdogan announced plans for Russia to build a U.S.$20 billion gas pipeline, and a nuclear power plant in Turkey. He added that the two countries will work closer together on national defense issues.