Russian president discusses with Erdogan the possibility of unhindered transportation of goods across the Black and Azov Seas – “in coordination with Turkish partners”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Russia is ready to allow the unimpeded export of grain from Ukrainian ports in coordination with Turkey, Reuters reported on 30 of May.
During the conversation, Putin said that Russia could export significant amounts of food and fertilizers if sanctions against the country are lifted, according to transcripts of the conversation.
“During the conversation, the emphasis was on ensuring safe navigation in the Azov and Black Seas after the mines are removed,” the Kremlin said. “Vladimir Putin stressed Russia’s readiness to facilitate the unimpeded maritime transport of goods in coordination with Turkish partners. This also applies to the export of grain from Ukrainian ports.”
Russia and Ukraine together account for about 29 percent of the world’s wheat exports, mainly through the Black Sea, and 80 percent of sunflower oil. Ukraine is also a major producer of corn.
The two, Putin and Erdogan, discussed the results of a recent visit to Turkey by a Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, as well as the state of bilateral co-operation, mainly in trade and economic affairs, the Kremlin said in a statement. TASS.
The Turkish presidency’s communications directorate, quoted by Turkish media and world agencies, quoted Erdogan as saying that Turkey was ready to host a meeting between representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations in Istanbul. The Turkish leader also said that steps should be taken as soon as possible to achieve peace in Ukraine, as well as to eliminate the negative effects of the war.
The Turkish head of state also stressed that Turkey is ready to participate in a monitoring mechanism in Ukraine if Moscow and Kyiv agree.
