Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) listens to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting at Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Sept 4, 2023. (PHOTO / POOL VIA AP)

MOSCOW/ANKARA - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Moscow would return to the Black Sea grain deal as soon as its requirements are met.

"We will be ready to revive the grain deal, and we will do this as soon as all restrictions on the export of Russian agricultural products are lifted," Putin said at a press conference following talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Russian city of Sochi.

Putin said that Russia's grain harvest could reach 130 million tons this year, and the country's export potential would remain at 60 million tons.

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He said that Moscow is not opposed to the grain deal, but warned Ukraine against using grain export corridors for military purposes.

Putin said that Moscow will continue exporting food and fertilizer to help stabilize global food prices, and Russia, Türkiye and Qatar would work jointly to deliver 1 million tonnes of Russian grain to countries in need

Erdogan noted that Türkiye had been working on a new package of proposals together with the United Nations. He expressed confidence that the proposals would help resume the deal as soon as possible.

The Russian leader further said that Moscow will continue exporting food and fertilizer to help stabilize global food prices. He said that Russia, Türkiye and Qatar would work jointly to deliver 1 million tonnes of Russian grain to countries in need.

The initiative will contribute to solving the global food crisis, Putin said, adding however that it shouldn't be viewed as an alternative to the Black Sea grain deal.

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Türkiye has tried to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative by acting as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

The agreement, which had been brokered by Türkiye and the United Nations in July 2022 in Istanbul, encountered a setback when Russia decided to withdraw from it on July 17, alleging unfulfilled obligations by its counterparts.

Ankara says that Western countries should try to address Russia's complaints and that it hopes Russia would return to the deal. 

A tractor collects straw on a field in a private farm in Zhurivka, Kyiv region, Ukraine, Aug 10, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Bilateral ties

The two leaders also discussed bilateral energy and trade relations.

"Currently, the trade volume between Türkiye and Russia is $62 billion. We are very glad that we are taking steps towards the target of reaching $100 billion," Türkiye's semi-official Anadolu Agency quoted Erdogan as saying.

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Putin noted that the first unit of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is being built jointly by the two countries, is expected to be launched next year.

Putin further confirmed Moscow's readiness to establish a regional gas hub in Türkiye to deliver gas supplies to third countries.

The two presidents also discussed the Ukrainian crisis and global ceasefire proposals aimed at achieving a political settlement. Putin thanked Erdogan for his mediation efforts, and reiterated that Moscow remained open for dialogue.

Erdogan in turn confirmed that Türkiye is ready to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, and remains committed to establishing lasting peace and stability.