Putin & Erdogan Talk Then Talk to Media
They met at Sochi again.
The leaders of Turkiye and Russia met again in Sochi to discuss grain, Ukraine, and other items of importance. They then provided statements to the media and took a few questions. They didn’t just meet by themselves; they both brought specific people to this conference, and from that roster we can infer what was discussed beyond what we’re informed about. The roster as provided by the Kremlin in its format:
From the Turkish side:
Hakan FIDAN – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey
Alparslan BAYRAKTAR – Minister of Energy of the Republic of Turkey
Mehmet SIMŞEK – Minister of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Turkey
Yaşar Güler – Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkey
Mehmet Fatih CACIR – Minister of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Turkey
İbrahim YUMAKLI – Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey
Ömer BOLAT – Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey
Mehmet SAMSAR – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to the Russian Federation
Ibrahim KALIN – Head National Intelligence Organization of the Republic of Turkey
Fahrettin ALTUN – Head of the Information and Communication Technology Authority of the Republic of Turkey
Haluk Görgün – Chief Adviser to the President Republic of Turkey
Hafiz Gaye ERKAN – Governor of the Central Bank Republic of Turkey
Akif Çağatay Kılıç – Chief Advisor of the President of the Republic of Turkey
Zafer CHUBUCCIU – Head of the Secretariat of the President of the Republic of Turkey
From the Russian side:
Sergey Lavrov – Minister of Foreign Affairs Affairs of the Russian Federation
Alexander NOVAK – Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Russian part of the Joint Intergovernmental Russian-Turkish Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation
PESKOV Dmitry Sergeevich – Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office – Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation
Maxim Oreshkin – Aide to the President of the Russian Federation
USHAKOV Yury Viktorovich – Aide to the President of the Russian Federation
SHOYGU Sergey Kuzhugetovich – Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation
PATRUSHEV Dmitry Nikolaevich – Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation
NABIULLINA Elvira Sakhipzadovna – Governor of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation
SHUGAEV Dmitry Evgenievich – Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation
DMITRIEV Kirill Alexandrovich – General Director of JSC "Management Company of the Russian Direct Investment Fund"
LIKHACHEV Alexei Evgenievich – Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom
First, we’ll read what we’re allowed to about what they said to each other:
Vladimir Putin: Dear Mr. President, Dear friends!
Welcome to Russia, Sochi.
We agreed on this meeting a long time ago, but after the elections in Turkey, this is our first face-to-face meeting. I have already had the pleasure of congratulating you on your results – and I want to say this again in person, even though several months have passed.
The pace of development of relations between Russia and Turkey gained with your direct participation remains unchanged. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that last year our trade turnover increased by more than 80 percent – by 86, in my opinion. In the first half of this year, the positive trend continues. It's not as powerful as it was last year, but it's still positive.
Moreover, relations are being diversified: These are not only the traditional sectors of our cooperation, including agriculture and energy, but other areas are also developing, which makes me very happy.
We have made progress, and I hope we will conclude negotiations on the creation of a gas hub in Turkey in the near future, in order to make the energy situation in the region more stable and balanced. I think it will be good for you.
In the field of agriculture, as I have already said, we have expanded the possibilities of supplying Turkish agricultural products to the Russian market, and there is a very good volume and it is growing.
Relations in the metallurgical industry are developing and have a very good perspective in this regard.
As I said, we are moving very confidently in the energy sector. Agreements have been reached between the main suppliers and consumers on both sides, and I hope that this will be the case and we will witness this in the near future.
Construction of Akkuyu nuclear power plants continues. Now Turkey has become a member of the international club of nuclear states in the full sense of the word – after delivering the first batch of Russian nuclear fuel to Akkuyu. Next year-everything is going according to plan – we will launch the first block. There are interesting possible options for continuing our cooperation. Now a very large qualified team continues to work at the station-under 25 thousand people.
We also have a lot to talk about in terms of ensuring security in the region. Of course, we will not ignore the issues related to the Ukrainian crisis. I know you intend to raise questions about the grain deal. We are open to negotiations on this issue.
Of course, we have done a lot to improve the situation in Syria. I know how sensitive this issue is for the Republic of Turkey, and we are in the article. The most basic thing that was done within the framework of the Astana format, we should consolidate, as well as this platform itself, in my opinion.
Of course, there are also other countries in the region, I mean the Libyan track. There are many other issues of a bilateral and international nature that will certainly be the focus of our attention today.
Thank you very much for accepting the invitation and coming to Sochi today.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Mr. President!
First of all, I would like to note that this invitation is already a different period between Russia and Turkey. The war between Ukraine and Russia, the situation that is developing in this regard - against this background, this visit is being made. And your invitation – we welcome that invitation, and my delegation welcomes that invitation.
Our relations between Turkey and Russia, especially in terms of foreign trade turnover: it has reached $ 62 billion. And we are very pleased with the goal that we have set to reach $ 100 billion in foreign trade turnover.
Today, the heads of the central banks [of Turkey and Russia] are also present here, they will meet here, hold a meeting separately. This demonstrates that it will be an important step in trade relations between our countries for trade turnover in national currencies.
Regarding the Akkuyu nuclear power plant. The development of events there continues very positively. Currently, work is underway there and continues. As you noted, about 25 thousand people are employed there. Regarding the first block, there was a very good development of events, as we have said before. Regarding the Sinop nuclear power plant: I believe that there will be such a step between us regarding the construction of a new nuclear power plant. Regarding the creation of a gas hub in the Thracian region, this will separately enrich our relations.
On the other hand, between Turkey and Russia, one of the important steps is, of course, the tourist area. Currently, in this area, in tourism, Russian tourists occupy the first place among our guests.
Together with all these data, I would like to note that the most important step is… We can say that the whole world is looking at the grain deal: what will happen, what will be the result? Everyone has an expectation. I believe that after our contacts and during our press conference, we will send the necessary message to the world, especially to the underdeveloped African countries - such a step will be very important in this regard.
Another important feature is the military-defense industry and the energy sector. There are steps between us, especially with regard to natural gas. The fact that we have good and important relations with Russia in terms of natural gas is of paramount importance to us in this regard. I believe that we will develop these relations.
On the other hand, I would also like to point out: as you know, the summer season, forest fires-you sent us two planes to fight fires. This has really helped our firefighting efforts a lot. If we can increase this number of planes, at least two more, because this threat continues – fires pose a great threat to us. These aircraft are very useful in the fight against fire fighting.
I would like to once again express my gratitude to you on behalf of my new ministers in our cabinet, and I hope that our meeting and contacts will benefit our countries and regions.
Thank you so much for your attention.
Vladimir Putin: Mr President, you mentioned the fight against fires.
I want to say that even after the terrible earthquake that the Turkish people faced, we were among the first who tried to lend a shoulder to the Turkish people, to help ordinary people who suffered. The same goes for fighting fires.
All this shows that we have brought Russian-Turkish relations to a very good and high level, and this is reflected in all areas of our cooperation.
I suggest that our work should be structured as follows: give the floor to the chairmen of the intergovernmental commission, who would give a general overview of what is happening in our trade and economic relations, first of all. Then, perhaps, the foreign ministers
As you read, not much was revealed for public consumption. Now for their statementsand responses to media questions:
Vladimir Putin: Dear Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen,
We are glad to welcome the Turkish President back to Russia.
I would like to note that the multifaceted cooperation between Russia and Turkey, which is based on the principles of good neighborliness, partnership and mutual benefit, is successfully developing in all areas.
Today's talks, as always, were held in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere. We discussed in detail all the key issues of Russian-Turkish cooperation in the security, economic, political, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They exchanged views on topical issues on the international and regional agenda.
During the discussion of bilateral economic relations, we noted with satisfaction the continued growth of trade turnover. By the end of 2022, it increased by 86 percent and reached a record 62 – according to some statistics, even more-billion dollars, and in the first half of this year it grew by another four percent.
There is a tendency for more active use of national currencies-the ruble and the lira - in commercial exchanges. At the same time, the share of the dollar and euro in mutual settlements is consistently decreasing. Our central banks are closely involved in the development of a correspondent network between financial and credit institutions of the two countries.
Russian-Turkish cooperation in the energy sector is truly strategic. Rosatom continues to build Turkey's first Akkuyu nuclear power plant. It will consist of four Russian-designed power units with a total capacity of four thousand 800 megawatts. About 25 thousand of our and Turkish nuclear specialists, engineers, and workers are working day and night to ensure that the first power unit of the plant will be launched next year, 2024.
In April of this year, Russian nuclear fuel was delivered to Akkuyu, and the NPP received the official status of a nuclear facility-this status is assigned by the IAEA. Thus, Turkey has joined the club of states with peaceful nuclear technologies.
Our countries also cooperate closely in the gas sector. Last year, Russia delivered 21.5 billion cubic meters of gas to Turkey via the Turkish Stream and Blue Stream gas pipelines, and in January–August of this year – more than ten billion cubic meters.
I would like to emphasize that Russia has always been and will always be a reliable and responsible gas supplier. We intend to continue providing the Turkish economy with this cheap but highly efficient and environmentally friendly fuel. Moreover, we are ready to export gas in transit through Turkey to consumers in third countries – where our partners are interested.
It is for this purpose that they proposed to create a regional gas hub in Turkey. Gazprom handed over to Botash a draft roadmap for the implementation of this project. The agenda includes the establishment of a joint working group, coordination of the legal framework for the hub's operation, bidding schemes and transfer of purchased gas.
Russian-Turkish cooperation in the field of agriculture is growing at a good pace. Last year, mutual food supplies increased to $ 7.4 billion. This year, the growth also continued: in January-July - by 19 percent.
Of course, we also touched upon the development of tourism. Last year, Turkey was visited by more than five million tourists from Russia, and in the first half of this year – another 2.2 million Russians. We expect that this dynamic will continue in the future. Our relevant agencies will continue to work with the Turkish authorities to ensure that Russian citizens ' stay in this country is safe and comfortable. Our Turkish friends are doing everything in their power to do this.
I would also like to remind you that Russia always strives to help Turkey in a friendly and partner-like manner, including when it comes to natural disasters and overcoming the consequences of natural disasters. Immediately after the devastating earthquake in February, our country was one of the first countries to send rescue teams and medical personnel to Turkey. We responded just as quickly to the request for Russian Be-200 amphibious aircraft to deal with forest fires on the Aegean coast.
And of course, we paid a lot of attention during the talks to topical international issues, in particular the situation around Ukraine. Naturally, they also discussed the termination of the so-called Black Sea initiative to export grain from Ukrainian ports from July 18. Mr. President has paid considerable attention to this.
As I have said more than once, we were simply forced to make this decision – I mean, Russia was forced – because Western countries blocked and continue to block the implementation of the "grain deal" in terms of ensuring access of Russian agricultural products to world markets. In other words, they refuse to remove the export of our grain and fertilizers from sanctions, resume deliveries of agricultural machinery and spare parts to Russia, remove problems with logistics and ship freight, banking services and insurance of food supplies.
Moreover, while Russia clearly provided security guarantees for shipping under this deal, the other side used humanitarian corridors for terrorist attacks against Russian civilian and military facilities. This can't be tolerated any further.
It is clear that the termination of the deal has not affected global food markets – I would like to emphasize this point-no matter what is said in this regard. Grain prices continue to decline. There is no physical shortage of food. There are problems with its fair distribution-yes. But this has nothing to do with the so-called grain deal.
We do not see anything surprising in this, because the share of, say, Ukraine in world grain exports was five percent, and remains so, and in the current conditions it will decrease.
The West, to put it mildly, deceived us about the humanitarian goals of the "Black Sea initiative" to assist developing countries. Since out of the 32.8 million tons of cargo exported from Ukraine, more than 70 percent – I want to emphasize this again-more than 70 percent went to well-off countries, primarily to the EU countries. While the share of States that really need food assistance accounted for only three percent, that is, it is less than one million tons.
I would like to reiterate our principled position: we will be ready to consider the possibility of reviving the grain deal, as I told Mr. President again today, and we will do so immediately – as soon as all the agreements set out in it on lifting restrictions on the export of Russian agricultural products are fully implemented.
For its part, Russia, despite all the obstacles, intends to continue exporting food and fertilizers, to help stabilize prices and improve the situation in the global agricultural sector. To this end, it was proposed, in particular, to organize the supply of one million tons of grain from Russia at a preferential price for processing in Turkey and then free transportation to the poorest countries.
In this regard, we also count on the assistance of the State of Qatar, which is ready to support the poorest countries for humanitarian reasons. By the way, we are close to finalizing an agreement with six African states, where we intend to supply food for free and even carry out logistics for free – to deliver this cargo. Negotiations are almost close to completion: delivery will begin in the next couple of weeks.
During the talks, issues related to the Syrian settlement were also discussed. We very much appreciate our cooperation with the Republic of Turkey in this area. In particular, we cooperate constructively within the framework of the Astana format – which is currently the most effective mechanism for international consultations on Syria.
It is important that we share basic approaches to resolving the Syrian crisis, such as respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of this country. We understand that in order to launch a full-scale reconstruction of this country, it is necessary to achieve national reconciliation and harmony. And we believe that the Syrians themselves should determine the future of Syria-without imposing any ready-made recipes or models from the outside.
During the exchange of views on the situation in Libya, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the long-standing crisis in that country through negotiations and the search for compromises, avoiding outbreaks of violence and preventing the collapse of the Libyan State.
In general, I think that the reconciliation of hours on the mentioned and other regional subjects was very useful.
In conclusion, I would like to once again express my gratitude to the President of Turkey, Mr. Erdogan, for the joint work, for the meaningful and productive dialogue. Without a doubt, today's talks will serve to further develop the Russian-Turkish partnership in all areas.
Thank you for your attention.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Mr. President! Dear members of the delegations, Dear members of the press,
With the most heartfelt feelings and respect, I welcome you all.
Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Putin for his kind invitation. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the support provided by Russia during the earthquake that occurred on February 6 and during the forest fires. I would like to express my gratitude for this support.
The last time we met in person with Mr. Putin was in Astana during the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia. After that, we were in close dialogue through telephone conversations.
Today we held both a one-on-one meeting and an inter-delegation meeting. We assessed the steps that can be taken to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation, especially in the areas of trade, energy, agriculture and tourism.
Last year, the trade turnover between our countries reached $ 69 billion. I would like to note that we are confidently moving towards reaching the one hundred billion mark in trade between our countries.
Last year, our country was visited by 5.2 million Russian tourists, and this year, in the first seven months, 3.5 million Russian tourists visited our country. I believe that this number will increase in the last five months of this year.
Black Sea Initiative: We are pleased that Russia is opening an office in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. I believe that Russia has played a key role, and especially the Black Sea Initiative has played a key role for the poorest countries. This initiative has proved to be a breathing space for the poorest countries.
The alternative proposals put on the agenda did not meet expectations in terms of security and other aspects. Our Russian friends talk about their expectations in this regard, and we focus on these expectations on various platforms.
I shared with my esteemed colleague that we are ready to hold such consultations, and I shared it with my friend. We will prepare a new package of consultations with the United Nations. I believe that we will be able to achieve results in this regard. Turkey will make every effort in this regard. And we believe that in the shortest possible time we will achieve the result in terms of this transaction.
Dear members of the press,
We are making every effort to establish lasting peace and stability in our region. In every speech I make, I point out that there is no winner in war, no loser in peace. We adhere to this principled approach. Earlier, we held direct negotiations between the parties. As always, we are ready to contribute in this regard.
We also discussed other regional and global issues with Mr. Putin. In this regard, we assessed developments in Syria, Transcaucasia, Libya, as well as in Africa.
We are developing our bilateral relations based on the principles of good neighborliness, friendship, and sincerity, so that it serves both the interests of our countries and our region. We have observed and continue to observe the advantages of Turkish-Russian relations built on this basis in a wide area. Our close contacts with Russia will continue to contribute to solving regional and global problems.
I would especially like to mention the Akkuyu nuclear power plant. As you know, construction work continues there. And I would like to mention the second step in this regard: in Turkey, in the city of Sinop, we discussed this city, and my dear friend and I also discussed the construction of a second nuclear power plant. With this step, Turkey will undoubtedly overcome a new bar.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Mr. Putin once again for the hospitality he extended to me and my delegation. I wish that my visit will benefit our countries and the region.
Dmitry Peskov: Now Turkish and Russian journalists will be able to ask one question each.
We start with our guests. On behalf of Turkish journalists, please give the floor.
: (as translated) Jura Anadolu Agency, Ali Jura.
Question to both presidents. In the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Mr. Erdogan noted that great diplomatic efforts are being made. During this meeting, did they talk about a truce and sitting down at the negotiating table?
(In Russian.) Mr. Putin, I have a question in Russian. What is the importance of continuing the Black Sea Initiative for Russia and the Black Sea region? Do you think it should be continued?
Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: As for President Erdogan's efforts to resolve the crisis around Ukraine, he has always paid great attention to it, and today he has paid a lot of attention to it, including in face-to-face conversations.
We know that through the mediation of the Turkish President, an agreement was reached and draft documents were agreed between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations. But then Ukraine sent them to the landfill – it's just that no one comes back to it. We hear about some new initiatives, but this is not something that has ever been discussed with us. Therefore, we do not perceive anything new.
As for intermediary services, we have never refused them. We are also aware of the mediation proposals and initiatives of the People's Republic of China and African States. Of course, we are also grateful to the President of Turkey for his efforts in this direction.
Now, as for the resumption of the "grain deal". I've already said this, and I don't think I'll be able to add anything here. We initially agreed to participate in it, including because we agreed – again with the mediation of the Turkish President, the United Nations-to fulfill a number of obligations in the interests of the Russian side.
After the deal came to an end, and no obligations regarding Russia were fulfilled, we were asked to extend it, our participation in it was asked to extend – again with the promise to fulfill everything immediately. We extended it – again, no one did anything.
Then we were asked to extend our participation for the third time with the promise to fulfill our obligations. And, as usual, this is often the case with our Western partners, they again cheated us, again did nothing. Well all.
Now we say: we are not against this deal, we are ready to return to it immediately, as soon as the promises made to us are fulfilled. That's all. Today they will fulfill their promises – we will return in full over the next few days, we will fulfill everything that is required of us.
What can I add here? If we only add that we have always agreed that these corridors intended for the export of food should not be used for military purposes. Unfortunately, they are being used by the other side – as we can see. As well as attempts are being made to attack the Turkish Stream and the Blue Stream, which supply gas to the Republic of Turkey from Russia. Our ships guard these streams, these pipeline systems, and they are constantly attacked, including with the help of drones, which are sent to these attacks from the Ukrainian Black Sea ports.
We need to agree on everything: that nothing like this will continue to happen, and the promises made to Russia will be fulfilled. That's it, we'll be back. We don't have any problems here, just no problems.
We will have a good harvest this year. Last year we produced about 158 million tons, and this year we will produce about 130 million tons. The export potential will also remain somewhere at the level of 60 million tons. There will be 60 million tons of export potential.
Turkey is our great partner. Turkey has a large processing flour industry, as we know. We will fully meet the needs of the Republic of Turkey and are ready to promote together, as Mr. President insists, and return to the "Black Sea initiative", to supply together with Turkey and Qatar to the poorest countries. And we will start independently now to the poorest countries by 25-50 [thousand tons]… For how much? 50 million apiece?
: From 25 to 50.
Vladimir Putin: We will supply from 25 to 50 thousand tons to six African countries free of charge. Right in the next few days. We are ready, we want to work, we are working and will continue to work in all these areas.
:(as translated)R. T. Erdogan As Mr. President noted, in this situation, regarding the joint steps of Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine needs to soften its approach, especially at the present time.
The Black Sea corridor will serve the poorest countries that will receive grain. But 44 percent of this grain, if it goes to European countries, is fair, Russia is right to say: 14 percent was sent to Turkey, and about six percent, in this area, was delivered to African countries. But, one way or another, together with Russia, we want to send them to the poorest African countries. And during our face – to-face meeting-give a million tons to the poorest countries, we are ready to cooperate in this regard, we are also ready to carry out logistics work. And together with this operation, we are ready to send a million tons to the poorest countries.
We noted and told Mr. President that Turkey is ready to do everything possible, make every effort, process a million tons of flour by the flour industry in our country and then send this flour to the poorest African countries. We can do this. We have also made such a proposal, and we have reached an agreement in this regard.
I hope that Mr. Putin will make these demands that come from African countries, especially the President said about the six African countries, and I hope that we will implement these steps together.
Pavel Minakov: Interfax News Agency.
Hello!
I will have two questions. One for both presidents, clarifying.
You just spoke about exporting grain with Qatar's participation. Clarifying question: can this option become a full-fledged replacement or partial replacement of the "grain deal", its mechanism?
And the second question to Mr. Putin. Mr. President, many sources, including Western sources, are now reporting that the Ukrainian offensive is stalling. In this regard, the question is: how do you assess the situation in the war zone? Against this background, does Russia remain ready for certain negotiations for a political and diplomatic settlement of the situation?
Vladimir Putin: As for grain again, if we return to it, we do not consider joint work with Turkey and, possibly, with Qatar on the supply of one million tons of grain as an alternative to the "Black Sea grain deal". There is also Ukraine, which has its own interests. We understand all this perfectly and are aware of it. So this is not a replacement, but it is, of course, a huge contribution on our part. This would be a huge contribution on our part to solving the food problems of African countries. This is a very obvious thing.
As for the failure of the counteroffensive, it is not a failure, it is a failure. In any case, today it looks exactly like this. Let's see what happens next. I hope that this will continue to be the case. I want to say that Russia has never refused to negotiate, and now we are not refusing. Mr. President raised these issues during our meeting today. I confirm this to him.
:(as translated)R. T. Erdogan Yes, here Qatar's participation [in relation to] the poorest countries, underdeveloped countries, and African countries is meant. After the grain is processed through the flour milling industry, Qatar financially supports it. That is, such a troika: Russia, Turkey, Qatar – Qatar says so. I hope that the least developed, poorest African countries. We will be close to this initiative.
Thank you very much.