The Turkish president said on Sunday that Ankara and Moscow can begin collaborating on the export of various food goods and subsequently other commodities through the grain corridor.
According to a statement from Turkey’s Communications Directorate, Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed in a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin that more than 13 million tons of grain have already been distributed to those in need as a result of cooperative efforts under the Black Sea grain export agreement.
Erdogan also conveyed to Putin his sincere hopes for an “as soon as possible” end to the conflict between Moscow and Kiev.
The world community has hailed Turkey for its role as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, which helped to restart the grain trade from July 22. Ankara has repeatedly urged Moscow and Kiev to put a stop to the conflict that broke out in February.
A historic agreement was made on July 22 in Istanbul by Turkey, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine to restore grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports that had been halted due to conflict. The historic grain agreement was extended for a further 120 days, beginning on November 19, only days before it was supposed to expire.
“It is crucial to remove terrorists from Turkey’s border with Syria.”
The leaders’ phone chat covered a variety of topics, including the Black Sea grain export agreement, bilateral relations, energy, and the war on terrorism.
Erdogan informed Putin that the PKK/YPG/PYD terror group continues to carry out terrorist acts against Turkey and engage in separatist activities in northern Syria.
According to the 2019 Sochi agreement, it’s crucial to rid Turkey’s border with Syria of PKK/YPG terrorists up to a depth of at least 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).
The PKK, which is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the US, and the EU, has carried out a more than 35-year terror campaign against that country and killed more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The PKK’s Syrian affiliate is the YPG.