Belarus leader Lukashenko urges leaders of Russia and Turkey to compromise, repair relations

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan – The president of Belarus has called on the leaders of Russia and Turkey to "find the strength" to compromise and overcome the crisis in their relations.

Relations between Moscow and Ankara have been badly strained by the Nov. 24 downing of a Russian bomber by a Turkish jet along the Syrian border. Russia has introduced a slew of economic sanctions to punish Turkey.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was addressing a gathering of regional leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.

Referring to tensions between Turkey and Russia, Lukashenko said: "If you make a mistake, you should acknowledge it and find the strength to make concessions and compromises to smooth over the situation."

In his address Saturday, Erdogan made no reference to relations with Russia.