Long conversation between Erdogan and Putin: Grain exports and gas transit through Turkey to continue

(Patria) - Presidents of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russia Vladimir Putin held a meeting in Sochi today where they discussed relations between the two countries, as well as the global political, economic, and security situation, which is largely determined by the situation in Ukraine.

According to media reports, Erdogan and Putin primarily discussed the export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports, as well as the energy situation in Europe. The implementation of the Istanbul agreement on grain exports, which has already begun, was agreed upon. 

"Putin emphasized the importance of Erdogan's participation in resolving the issue related to the export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports. He thanked Erdogan for initiating the exports and for the simultaneous decision on the unimpeded delivery of Russian food and fertilizers to world markets," Tass reported.

Regarding the energy situation, the leaders of Turkey and Russia touched upon the significance of the TurkStream pipeline.

"The Russian president called TurkStream one of the most important arteries for supplying Europe with Russian gas. Unlike all other supply routes, TurkStream operates without any failures or disruptions," it was emphasized.

In the context of the energy crisis, Putin also had a message for the leaders of EU countries.

"I think European partners should be grateful to Turkey for ensuring the unimpeded transit of our gas to the European market," Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Erdogan agreed on partial payment for Russian gas supplies in rubles, said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, as reported by Interfax.

In addition to global issues and problems, Erdogan and Putin discussed bilateral issues, and the Turkish leader explained how the negotiations would help highlight the role that Turkey and Russia play in the region.

"I believe that today's meeting will open a completely different chapter in Russian-Turkish relations," Erdogan said.

Furthermore, the leaders of Russia and Turkey also discussed natural gas imports and the construction of the Turkish Akkuyu nuclear power plant, for which Russia is responsible.

"Akkuyu will be the first nuclear power plant in Turkey. After commissioning, it will produce about 35 billion kilowatt-hours annually, which will cover 10 percent of the country's needs. According to Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, it is planned to deliver nuclear fuel for the first unit of the power plant in May 2023. The project is fully financed by Russia," Russian media reported.