MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on bilateral ties, the potential revival of the Black Sea grain deal, and Moscow’s alternative to the deal in a meeting in Moscow.
According to the Russian foreign minister, they talked about the challenges that have arisen since the Black Sea grain export agreement was terminated.
“We explained to our Turkish partner what needs to be done in the West… to restore the viability of the initiative,” the Russian Foreign Minister said, adding that Russia would rejoin the agreement once its conditions are addressed.
Hope for Black Sea Grain Deal
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan, in response, underlined ongoing negotiations aimed at renewing the Black Sea grain accord, with active involvement from the United Nations. The Turkish diplomat said that the requirements of Russia are being carefully examined.
Furthermore, Fidan said that Turkey and the United Nations are collaborating on a fresh set of proposals, which could serve as a solid basis for the agreement’s revival.
During the meeting, Lavrov and Fidan talked about Moscow’s plan to provide up to a million tons of subsidized Russian grain to Turkey so that it can then be distributed to other developing nations. The Russian foreign minister said that Qatar would provide financial backing for this initiative.
Minister Lavrov also highlighted the “dynamic development” of bilateral relations between Russia and Turkey. He revealed plans for an upcoming informal summit, where Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet to further strengthen ties.
Additionally, Lavrov pointed out the rapid progress in trade and economic cooperation between the two nations. Both diplomats explored joint strategic projects within the energy sector, with Russia expressing readiness to enhance gas exports to Turkey and participate in the construction of a gas hub within the country.
