ANKARA

The Black Sea Grain Initiative should be resumed by addressing deficiencies that hampered the suspended deal, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.

"We believe the initiative should be continued by correcting its deficiencies," Erdogan told a news conference with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Erdogan is on a one-day working visit to Russia's coastal city of Sochi to discuss with Putin current regional and global issues, as well as bilateral ties. The revival of last year's historic Black Sea grain deal that helped ease the global food crisis was a top issue at the meeting.

This July Russia suspended its participation in the deal, brokered by Türkiye and the UN, to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports that were paused after the Ukraine war, which started in February 2022.

Moscow has complained that the West failed to meet its obligations on Russia's own grain exports, and that not enough Ukrainian grain was going to countries in need. It says restrictions on payments, logistics, and insurance have stood in the way of its shipments.  

'No alternative'

Confirming the importance of fulfilling Russia's demands for exports of its own grain and fertilizer, Türkiye says there is no alternative to the initiative.

"Proposed alternatives to the grain deal could not offer a sustainable, safe, and permanent model based on cooperation between parties, (one) like the Black Sea initiative," Erdogan said.

The deal has played a "key role" in addressing the global food crisis, Erdogan said, adding that it acts like "breathing tube" for those in need like in Africa.

Ankara is ready to do what is necessary to send grain to some poor African countries, Erdogan said, adding that Türkiye and Russia agree on that.

"Putin said, 'We have completed the logistic work to send 1 million tons of grain to poor countries’ and we said, 'We, as Türkiye, are responsible for whatever duty falls upon us'," he added.

On a joint proposal for grain shipments prepared with the UN, Erdogan said: "I believe that Türkiye will reach a solution that will meet expectations within a short time."

Ukraine needs to soften its approach in order to take joint steps with Russia amid the ongoing war, Erdogan stressed.

"Particularly as of now, the grain to be sent from the Black Sea grain corridor to the least-developed and poor African countries is important," Erdogan said, adding that Russia does not view it "positively" if 44% of the grain goes to European countries instead of poor ones.

Stressing that this is not an alternative to the Black Sea grain deal, Erdogan said: "I hope that by taking steps as Russia, Türkiye, and Qatar to transport grain flour to African countries, we will stand by these countries."

Türkiye is determined to continue its work to ensure lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, he added, saying: "We have previously hosted direct negotiations between the parties. We are ready to do our part, as always, in this regard."

"We want ongoing conflicts to be ended as soon as possible with a lasting and just peace on the basis of international law," Erdogan said.

Ankara has been carrying out intense diplomatic efforts for the restoration of the July 2022 deal and has also called on Kyiv and Moscow to end the war through negotiations.  

Bilateral ties

Erdogan said they discussed steps that can be taken to further strengthen multidimensional bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of trade, agriculture, tourism, the economy, and finance.

"Our bilateral trade volume last year reached about $69 billion. We’re taking firm steps towards our goal of $100 billion. We’re having a very successful season in tourism this year as well," he added.

In 2022, Türkiye hosted 5.2 million Russian citizens, and in the first seven months of this year, 3.5 million Russian tourists came to Türkiye, the president said.

"I believe this number will rise further in the remainder (of the year)," he added.

Erdogan also expressed his pleasure over Russia's decision to open an office in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

He added that they also exchanged views on developments in Syria, the South Caucasus, Libya, and Africa.

"We have advanced our bilateral relations to serve the interests of our countries and our region on the basis of the principles of good neighborliness, friendship, and sincerity," Erdogan stressed.

Türkiye's close contacts with Russia will continue to help resolve regional and global issues, he added.

Türkiye's first nuclear power plant in the southern Mersin province, the Russian-built Akkuyu, and a planned second nuclear power station in Türkiye's Black Sea province of Sinop were also discussed, Erdogan said.