Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin convened in Sochi on September 4, concluding a three-hour meeting. The key details of their discussions are outlined below, Reuters reports.
Grain Deal
Putin asserted that the suspension of the grain deal has not impacted global food supplies. He explained that grain prices continue to decrease, and while food isn't in short supply, there are challenges in its equitable distribution. Russia is nearing agreements for free grain supply with six African nations.
"They forced us to withdraw from the grain deal. "The West continues to prevent Russia from fulfilling its requirements under the grain agreement, including the export of Russian grain," Putin said.
Putin also said that Russia will be ready to restore the grain deal as soon as all the agreed agreements are fulfilled.
"The Russian side ensured safe cargo transportation within the framework of the grain deal, but the other side used the corridors for terrorist attacks," the Russian president said.
"The grain deal played an important role for poor countries. We are preparing a new package of consultations with the UN regarding the agreement. I think that we will achieve a result, Turkey will use all its efforts," Erdogan said.
The Russian president continues to set conditions for the West to return to the grain agreement. He demands the connection of Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT, the supply of spare parts for agricultural machinery, the unblocking of transport logistics and insurance, the restart of the Tolyatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline, and the "unblocking" of the assets of Russian companies.
Ukraine Situation
Putin commented on the Ukrainian counter-offensive, deeming it a "complete failure for Kiev." He affirmed Russia's willingness to continue peace talks concerning the war in Ukraine. In turn, Erdogan expressed his readiness to mediate in the talks with Ankara, and Putin said that he would not refuse.
Gas Hub
Putin announced Russia's readiness to transit gas through Turkey to other nations. Russia has already delivered over 10bn m³ of gas to Turkey in the first nine months of the year. A regional gas hub proposal has been presented.
"We proposed the creation of a regional gas hub, Gazprom presented a road map project," Putin said.
National Currencies
Putin observed an increasing trend in using national currencies (the ruble and lira) in bilateral trade, reducing reliance on the dollar and euro.
Russia-Turkey Relations
Both leaders emphasized the positive momentum in their countries' relations. Trade volume increased by 86% last year and is expected to yield positive results this year. The goal is to boost trade to $100bn.
"We are very pleased that the volume of foreign trade is now 62 billion dollars and we are moving towards our goal of 100 billion dollars," said the Turkish president.
Tourism and cooperation in the military defense and energy sectors were discussed.
"Another important feature is the military defense industry, the energy sector. There are steps between us, especially regarding natural gas. In this regard, it is important that we have good, important relations with Russia regarding natural gas. I think we will develop these relations," Erdogan said.
Nuclear Power Plant
Putin disclosed plans to commission the first unit of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey in 2024. Turkey has become a member of the nuclear club with the delivery of Russian nuclear fuel.
"Next year - everything is going according to plan - we will put the first unit into operation. There are interesting options for continuing our cooperation. Now, a very large qualified team of about 25,000 people continues to work at the station," Putin said.
Erdogan expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Russia on building a second nuclear power plant in Sinop.
"Turk Stream" and "Blue Stream" Gas Pipelines
Putin revealed that drones originating from Ukrainian ports attempted to target the Turkish Stream and Blue Stream gas pipelines. In 2022, Russia delivered 21.5 billion cubic meters of gas to Turkey through these pipelines, with more than 10 billion cubic meters in the first eight months of 2023.
These discussions signify the ongoing collaboration and development of relations between Russia and Turkey across multiple sectors, including energy, defense, and trade.
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