Turkish President Erdogan and Russian Leader Putin Discuss Grain Deal and Economic Ties
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling alignment with Russia’s principled stance on the grain deal. The Kremlin reported that both leaders acknowledged Russia’s decision to extend the 60-day framework governing the Istanbul agreements on grain exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. They also noted Russia’s move to remove food and fertilizer export barriers, which Erdogan described as a constructive step in bilateral and regional commerce.
The Kremlin’s account quoted Erdogan as expressing understanding of the Russian side’s clear intent to fulfill the second portion of the package of agreements. The aim, according to Moscow, is to remove obstacles that affect agricultural products from Russia, thereby supporting broader trade flows and market stability for neighboring and partner economies.
Beyond the grain talks, the two leaders highlighted positive developments in commercial and economic relations between Turkey and Russia. They underscored progress in joint strategic projects, especially in the energy sector in Turkey. The discussions covered natural gas supply arrangements and the ongoing construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, a flagship project intended to diversify Turkey’s energy mix and reinforce regional energy security. Observers note that these collaborative efforts reflect a broader trend in Turkish-Russian ties, balancing cooperation across energy, infrastructure, and trade while navigating geopolitical complexities. The conversations were seen as a signal of continued dialogue and coordination on shared economic interests and regional stability. (Attribution: Kremlin press service, and official briefings)