An upcoming meeting between Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Vladimir Putin of Russia may involve discussions on a significant agreement regarding the processing of Russian grain into flour and its supply to impoverished nations in Africa. Ankara has been displaying increased diplomatic activity, signaling that the meeting is imminent, according to a diplomatic source in Turkey cited by TASS.
"This potential agreement builds upon previous discussions between the two leaders about processing Russian flour in Turkey and channeling it to African countries in need. Negotiations for such supplies are in the final stages and could potentially yield a concrete agreement during the Erdogan-Putin meeting. The potential resumption of the grain corridor between the two countries may also be part of this agreement, with potential deliveries possibly commencing in the fall," the source indicated.
The Turkish grain industry has expressed its readiness to initiate the project, as conveyed by a representative from the local grain union. In a recent video message to the BRICS Business Forum, President Putin disclosed that negotiations with partners are near completion for the free delivery of 25,000 to 50,000 tons of Russian grain to six African countries. These countries reportedly include Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic and Eritrea.
Reports from sources within Erdogan's administration have indicated that the Putin-Erdogan meeting might take place in Russia in September, as noted by the NTV television channel.
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Based on materials from TASS