President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
The two leaders agreed on President Putin’s visit to Türkiye.
Thanking his counterpart for the two amphibious fire-fighting aircraft Russia has sent for Türkiye’s fight against wildfires, President Erdoğan voiced his happiness over the increasing interest of Russian tourists in Türkiye, and his belief that a record will be broken in tourism this year through joint efforts.
Stating that no one should take any steps that would increase tension in the Russia-Ukraine war, President Erdoğan highlighted the importance of the Black Sea Initiative that he sees as a “bridge of peace.”
Stressing that the long-term suspension of the Black Sea Initiative will benefit no one, and that the biggest harm will be suffered by low-income countries in need of grain, President Erdoğan pointed to some 15% increase over the past two weeks in grain prices, which previously decreased by nearly 23% during the implementation period.
President Erdoğan further noted that Türkiye will continue its intensive diplomatic efforts for the continuation of the Black Sea Initiative.