Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan traveled to Sochi for a bilateral session with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks took place at the Russian sanatorium named Russian. Reporters were shown the opening moments of a meeting that represents the second high-level encounter between the leaders within a span of just over two weeks.
Putin signaled plans to sign a memorandum aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties between Russia and Turkey, noting that the delegation’s prior work in Turkey had laid the groundwork for this understanding.
At the outset, Putin praised the Turkish Stream as a critical artery delivering Russian gas to Europe and urged regional partners to acknowledge Ankara’s role in keeping energy flows steady, according to sources. The Turkish Stream project, completed some time ago, is described as a reliable, well-functioning conduit for hydrocarbons to European markets, operating without fault, the official contends.
Putin also expressed gratitude to Erdogan for his assistance in resolving the grain-export impasse from Ukrainian ports. He commended Erdogan for engaging directly and through the United Nations to restart shipments from the Black Sea. He further welcomed the decision to ensure the continuous supply of Russian food and fertilizers to global markets. Subsequent coverage noted that the agreement on Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea was signed in Istanbul on July 22, as reported by international observers.
“A New Page”
The Turkish president urged leaders to turn a new page on cooperation, emphasizing energy collaboration, Black Sea grain shipments, tourism, and regional matters as part of a refreshed agenda.
Erdogan also pressed for steady progress on the Akkuyu nuclear power plant project and reiterated that constructive cooperation across multiple sectors could prevent setbacks in bilateral initiatives.
On regional issues, Erdogan highlighted Syria as a focal point and called for a sustained effort against terrorism, stressing that global attention is on the Sochi talks. The situation in the region remains a key item on the agenda.
Early reporting suggested that Putin may press Erdogan to allow Russian companies to acquire shares in Turkish refineries, a move seen by some analysts as a potential workaround to conceal the origin of oil. Moscow is also interested in broader access for state-backed Turkish banks to open correspondent accounts with major Russian banks, a development viewed by sanctions observers as potentially complicating Western measures.
Do Not Underestimate Russia
Turkey’s Communications Director emphasized that the international community cannot end the Ukraine conflict by sidelining Moscow. He noted that Ankara is leveraging its ties with both Moscow and Kyiv to forge a mutually acceptable resolution.
He also suggested that some international actors may prefer not to see the war end, implying a concern that some voices profit from ongoing tensions. Diplomacy and peace, he asserted, should guide the process.
The private talks between Putin and Erdogan reportedly lasted more than four hours, followed by sessions with delegations. Turkish ministers of foreign affairs and defense, along with the head of national intelligence, joined the discussions along the Black Sea coast.
Historically, the last set of talks in Sochi occurred on a previous visit, and both leaders attended a trilateral Syria summit in Astana and held a bilateral meeting in July.