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Article updated: 12/3/2012 7:27 AM

Putin visits Turkey amid differences over Syria

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, second right, and Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, and Turkey's Energy Minister Taner Yildiz, left, talk Monday before a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. The blossoming trade relationship will be the focus of a one-day trip to Turkey by Russian President Vladimir Putin, though differences between the two countries over the conflict in Syria will likely be aired.

Associated Press

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The blossoming trade relationship will be the focus of a one-day trip to Turkey by Russian President Vladimir Putin, though differences between the two countries over the conflict in Syria will likely be aired. Putin's visit to Istanbul on Monday is his first trip in two months. The unusual break in his travel schedule fed speculation that the 60-year-old Russian leader is suffering from serious back trouble or another illness.