The two leaders continued dialogue on various aspects of multifaceted Russian-Turkish cooperation.
In particular, Vladimir Putin outlined Russia's position of principle in connection with the termination of the ”package“ agreements on the export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports and the unblocking of supplies of Russian food and fertilisers. He noted that in the context of a complete lack of progress in the implementation of the Russian part of the “grain deal,” its further extension was meaningless. He reaffirmed readiness to return to the Istanbul agreements as soon as the West fulfilled all the obligations to Russia set out in them.
It was emphasised that, taking into account the demand of countries most in need of food, Russia was working on reliable options for the supply of Russian grain, including on a free-of-charge basis. This issue was substantially discussed at the second Russia–Africa Summit held recently in St Petersburg. The attitude towards co-operation in this area with Turkiye and other interested states was expressed.
When discussing the agenda of the Russian-Turkish partnership, the leaders focused on the prospects for the development of trade and economic ties, implementation of joint strategic projects in the energy sector, and cooperation in the tourism industry. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of trade, which almost doubled by the end of 2022.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked the leadership and people of Russia for their assistance in extinguishing forest fires in Turkiye.
It was agreed to continue contacts at various levels, including in the context of preparations for a possible meeting between the two leaders.