Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview with CNN that prolongation of the grain deal for two months became possible thanks to Turkey's "special relations" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He pointed out that in relations with countries such as Russia, it is necessary to take a balanced approach, but the West does not do this. Such an approach, Erdogan said, would be more successful.
"Here, for example: the Black Sea initiative. We take into account not only the needs of Western countries, but also African countries. This initiative was extended for two months. How was it possible? It was possible because of our special relationship with President Putin," Erdogan stressed.
Turkey's president said on May 17 that the grain deal had been extended for 60 days. Later, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow confirmed the two-month extension of the deal. The step offers a chance to help ensure global food security, she added.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS