The two leaders discussed developments in Syria, Ukraine, bilateral relations and international issues, and noted “the key importance of sincere, frank and trusting ties between Russia and Turkey for regional and global stability”.
Speaking at the start of the meeting, Erdogan said their talks would help “highlight the role that Turkey and Russia are playing in the region”. (AA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to strengthen cooperation in transport, agriculture, finance and construction sectors during a bilateral meeting at Putin’s residence on the sea Black in Sochi.
In a joint statement after the four-hour meeting, Putin and Erdogan stressed the need for “the full implementation of the Istanbul agreement, including the unhindered export of Russian grain, fertilizers and raw materials for their production.
They also noted “the key importance of sincere, frank and trusting ties between Russia and Turkey for regional and global stability.”
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Erdogan to visit Russia for talks with Putin on Syria and Ukraine
Fight terrorism
Speaking at the start of the meeting, Erdogan said their talks would help “highlight the role that Turkey and Russia play in the region” and that the Syria talks would “bring relief to the region”.
Erdogan also said Turkey values cooperation with Russia in the fight against terrorism, adding that the eyes of the world are on Sochi. During the interview, the two leaders “reaffirmed their determination to act in a coordinated and united manner in the fight against all terrorist organizations” in Syria.
Turkish President Erdogan after being welcomed by Russian President Putin in Sochi:
– Discussions on Syria at the top of our agenda– We will have discussions on other regional issues
– Our meeting is very important in view of the role played by our countries in the region pic.twitter.com/6P83nTkxg2
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) August 5, 2022
Supplying Europe with Russian gas
Putin praised Erdogan for his role in signing a landmark deal to unlock grain exports, which also includes shipments of Russian food and fertilizers.
On July 22, Turkey, the UN, Russia and Ukraine signed a historic agreement brokered by Ankara to reopen three Ukrainian ports for Ukrainian grain exports, blocked for months due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Turning to natural gas, Putin said: “TurkStream, the construction of which we completed some time ago, is one of the most important arteries for the supply of Russian gas to Europe.”
He stressed that TurkStream “works well”, adding that European countries should be grateful to be able to buy Russian gas through TurkStream.
Strategic projects
The 930 kilometer (578 mile) pipeline will carry Russian gas under the Black Sea through Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary, with another section reaching Turkey.
With a capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters (1.1 trillion cubic feet) per year, the project is the largest diameter offshore gas pipeline in the world installed at such depths.
Noting that Russia has many strategic projects with Turkey, Putin said Moscow hopes to increase its trade volume with Turkey.
Putin also expressed hope that a memorandum on developing trade and economic ties would be signed at the meeting.
READ MORE: Three grain ships will depart from Ukrainian ports on Friday: Türkiye
Source: TRTWorld and agencies
