President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Summit held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. During the meeting, where energy agreements between Russia and Turkey were discussed, as well as the grain agreement signed in Istanbul, Putin thanked Erdoğan for his efforts to sign the grain agreement. Making important statements in his speech addressing Erdogan, Putin said, “First of all, I would like to thank you again for your contribution to the implementation of the food program. As you mentioned today, I hope that a significant portion of Ukrainian grain will be sent to poor countries. However, this has not been achieved so far.” said.
“TURKEY IS A RELIABLE PARTNER”
Stating that Turkey is an important country in the shipment of Russian grain and that deliveries can be made to all countries through Turkey, Putin said, “I would like to inform you that our exporters have received the signal that our products can also be exported through Turkey. I mean, Turkey is a reliable partner in this respect and It can provide safe supplies to all countries of the world through its own territory,” he said.
Putin also said that they will be able to sell to the whole world, mainly to Asian, Latin American and African countries.
“TURKEY IS ONE OF THE RELIABLE PARTNERS”
Mentioning that Turkey is among their reliable partners in energy, Putin said, “The trade volume between Turkey and Russia is growing steadily. Turkey has become one of the most reliable supply routes for our energy resources. Not only for its own needs, but also for EU countries. This is also true. Gas shipments to Europe via TurkStream continue uninterruptedly,” he said.
“FINAL DOCUMENTS SIGNED”
Speaking about the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which is under construction in Mersin, Putin said, “We recently consulted with you about some problems there. There were certain problems with the organization of the construction process. As far as I know, all these problems have been resolved. The final documents regulating the relations were also signed. I would very much like the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant to start service in 2023, when the centennial of the Republic of Turkey will be celebrated.”
On the other hand, speaking about Turkey’s position in the SCO, Putin said, “I am very happy to see Erdogan at the summit in Samarkand. Turkey is the country of this region and I think it is quite natural that he is interested in working in the SCO. Maximum results for the Turkish economy. “I know your policy aiming to achieve success. Of course, you could not help but draw attention to the fact that Turkey has very good and rapidly growing economic ties with SCO member countries. We will be pleased that Turkey works in this structure,” he said.