Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin has met with Turkish leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
The two leaders’ discussion was mainly centred on reviving the Black Sea grain deal.
At the start of the discussion, Putin said that he and Erdogan had raised relations between the two countries to a “very good, high level.”
Putin disclosed that trade turnover between Russia and Turkey increased last year.
“I’d like to call your attention to the fact that, if I’m not mistaken, our trade turnover climbed by more than 80% last year – by 86%. The positive trend continues in the first half of this year.”
Vladimir Putin
Even though, Putin stated that the trend “is not as strong as it was last year,” he noted that it is “still positive.”
Putin added that relations are becoming more diverse.
“These aren’t just the conventional areas of our cooperation, such as agriculture and energy. However, other areas are developing as well, which makes me very happy.”
Vladimir Putin
Putin revealed that they would discuss Ukraine and the Black Sea grain deal.
He also said he hoped they would wrap up talks soon on creating a “hub” for exports of Russian gas in Turkey, as well as the construction of the first nuclear power plant there, in which Moscow is actively involved.
The Black Sea grain deal, which was brokered by Turkey and UN, was designed to alleviate a food crisis by allowing Ukraine to ship its grains across the Sea to other parts of the world, especially developing countries.
However, Russia suspended its participation in the grain deal in July.
No Grain Deal Until Russia’s Conditions Are Met
In a joint press conference after his meeting with the Turkish President, Putin reiterated his stance on the Black Sea Grain Agreement, stating that Moscow would be ready to revive the grain deal as soon as all the agreements on lifting restrictions on the export of Russian agricultural products are fully implemented.
Putin said that if those commitments were honored, Russia could return to the deal “within the nearest days.”
He also said that Russia is close to finalizing an agreement to provide free grain to six African countries, adding that Russia will ship 1 million metric tons (1.1 million tons) of cheap grain to Turkey for processing and delivery to poor countries.
Moreover, The Russian President stated that western claims that Russia had caused a food crisis by suspending participation in the grain deal were wrong as prices did not rise on its exit from the deal.
“There is no physical shortage of food,” Putin said.
Putin iterated that a Russian proposal to supply African countries with 1m tonnes of grain via Turkey, with financial support from Qatar, was not intended as an alternative to the Black Sea grain deal.
On his part, Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan averred that he believes a solution can be found soon to revive the Black Sea grain export deal, including filling the remaining gaps.
He noted that Russia’s expectations were well-known to all and that the shortcomings should be eliminated, adding that Turkey and the UN had worked on a new package of suggestions to ease Russian concerns.
The Turkish President also disclosed that “Ukraine needs to especially soften its approaches in order for it to be possible for joint steps to be taken with Russia.”
He added that more grain needed to be destined for Africa rather than European countries.
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