Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he believes relations between Turkey and Russia would normalize "rapidly", after expressing regret for bringing down a Russian warplane last year.

He said, "After reconciliation with the letter I sent to Russia to re-develop our relations, I believe it would be good for both countries."

"In the letter I sent to Mr. Putin, I both expressed my sadness about the incident and reminded him of the cooperation opportunities open to us in the Middle East region."

"I believe we will normalise our relations with Russia rapidly by ending the existing situation which is not in the interest of either side."

Erdogan announced this on Monday at a dinner to break fast for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Russian trade sanctions and a travel advisory against Turkey have been in place since Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet last Novembe while it was on a mission in Syria, killing the pilot.

Ankara said the plane had flown into Turkish airspace, which Moscow denied. Putin had said those measures would not be lifted unless Erdogan apologized personally.