Turkish President Erdogan to Speak with Putin on Black Sea Grain Initiative

(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days to discuss the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Erdogan highlighted Türkiye's successful mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine and said that the world acknowledges their efforts.

Last July, Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine signed a deal in Istanbul to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports that had been paused due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Erdogan announced the extension of the deal on Saturday, one day before it was slated to lapse.

Erdogan also mentioned Putin's offer to send grain to poor countries free of charge and said that Türkiye is preparing to buy wheat to turn it into flour and send it to those in need. He added that the two leaders will also discuss the supply of Russian fertilizer to less developed countries.

Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye will not be a party to any war and will always be on the side of peace. He characterized Türkiye's involvement in the Black Sea Grain Initiative as a step towards promoting peace in the region.

Overall, Erdogan's announcement highlights Türkiye's role as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine and its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region through economic cooperation.

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