Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to have a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday. This will be their first communication since the termination of the grain deal and other events, including Ankara's extradition of Azov national battalion leaders (a group banned in Russia and recognized as a terrorist organization) to Kiev.
President Putin announced plans for the phone call on August 2, following the Russia-Africa summit, stating that they had intended to speak earlier but couldn't find a suitable time until now. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that the phone conversation between the two leaders is indeed scheduled for August 2.
The last time President Putin and President Erdogan spoke by phone was on June 24. They have had a total of nine phone conversations in 2023, and in April, they participated in a videoconference ceremony to mark the delivery of nuclear fuel to the Akkuyu nuclear power plant. Their last face-to-face meeting took place in Astana in October 2022.
The upcoming telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to cover several important topics. While the Kremlin did not officially announce the specific agenda, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin previously mentioned that measures to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea could be discussed during the conversation.
Ankara claims that the main focus of the talks will be the possibility of resuming the grain deal between the two countries. Turkish officials view this as a necessity to prevent a potential food crisis exacerbated by the global pandemic and economic challenges. However, Turkish authorities have also highlighted the legitimacy of Russia's demands to lift sanctions that have hindered Russia from fulfilling its part of the grain deal, specifically the supply of grains and fertilizers.
Another significant topic expected to be discussed is the creation of a gas hub in Turkey. President Putin recently confirmed that the idea of establishing a gas hub on Turkish territory is still being considered. The project involves the creation of an electronic trading platform for gas supplies to Europe, taking into account Turkey's growing role as a gas transit country to the continent. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized that the gas hub's establishment would enhance energy security for European countries and contribute to the resolution of regional conflicts.
Additionally, amid the ongoing forest fires in Turkey, the leaders may also discuss the possibility of Ankara purchasing Be-200ChS amphibious aircraft from Moscow. Two such planes were sent to Turkey in mid-July on the orders of the Russian president to assist in firefighting efforts.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS