Erdogan expresses willingness to discuss grain deal with Putin soon

21 July 2023

 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his desire to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon regarding the grain deal situation. In an interview published by TRT television on Friday, Erdogan highlighted the potential consequences of terminating the Black Sea grain initiative, including a surge in global food prices, food shortages in certain regions, and increased migration waves. He emphasized the urgency of taking initiatives to prevent these outcomes.


Erdogan stated that he intends to discuss the grain deal with President Putin in detail and work towards ensuring the continuity of the humanitarian movement facilitated by the grain corridor. He acknowledged that Russia also has certain expectations from the grain deal but stressed the importance of active operation in the Black Sea region.


The Turkish president asserted that he will employ all diplomatic tools and exert efforts to restart the grain deal in the foreseeable future. He plans to engage in telephone diplomacy initially and, if possible, discuss the issues in detail during President Putin's planned visit to Turkey in August.


Erdogan expressed confidence in reaching a compromise that serves humanity during times of conflict, and he is determined to facilitate the continuation of the Black Sea grain initiative without delay.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic world"

Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation

Based on materials from TASS