Moscow ready to revive Black Sea grain deal as soon as its demands are met: Putin

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said 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 added on Monday at a press conference following talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Russian city of Sochi.

He said that Russia’s grain harvest could reach 130 million ton this year, and the country’s export potential would remain at 60 million ton, Xinhua news agency reported.

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

Erdogan noted that Turkey had been working on a new package of proposals together with the UN. 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 fertiliser to help stabilise global food prices. He added that Russia, Turkey and Qatar would work jointly to deliver one million tonne 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.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral energy and trade relations, including the joint construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant.

The Russian President noted that the plant’s first unit is expected to be launched next year.

Putin further confirmed Moscow’s readiness to establish a regional gas hub in Turkey 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 Turkey is ready to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, and remains committed to establishing lasting peace and stability.

–IANS