President Erdoğan and Russian President Putin spoke to reporters ahead of their bilateral meeting.

Drawing attention to the distinct period the Türkiye-Russia bilateral relations are currently going through, President Erdoğan stressed his happiness to be visiting Russia at the invitation of his Russian counterpart at a time when the Russia-Ukraine war continues.

“Currently, our foreign trade volume between Türkiye and Russia is 62 billion dollars. We are very glad that we are taking steps towards the target of reaching 100 billion dollars. I believe that the meeting our Central Bank governors will hold here today is important in taking steps to use the domestic currency in our bilateral relations,” Erdoğan said.

Highlighting the positive developments in the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which generates employment for nearly 25 thousand people, President Erdoğan stated: “The first step taken about the first unit is highly favorable. I also think that a step is likely to be taken concerning the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant as well, as we have discussed with you previously. What is more, the formation of a ‘hub’ in Thrace will create momentum and vitality.”

Grain Corridor

Pointing out that the developments related to tourism constitute one of the most important aspects of the Türkiye-Russia relations, Erdoğan noted: “In tourism, Russia now ranks the first in Türkiye. This is Russia’s status. Another important step concerns the grain corridor. Everybody is looking at the grain corridor issue, anticipating what will come out of today. I believe that the message to be conveyed in the press conference we will hold following our talks will be highly crucial as a step for the world, particularly for underdeveloped African countries.”

Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: “Another important issue between us is the steps we have and will take in defense industry. In energy, particularly in terms of natural gas, we already have top-level, very important relations with Russia. I believe that we will further advance these relations. In the meantime, it is a season of wildfires and the two aircraft you sent to Türkiye have become of great help in healing our wounds. It would be highly helpful if this number could be increased or doubled given the fact that we constantly face the threat of forest fires in summer.” (ILKHA)