Erdogan: "Black Sea Grain Initiative Can Be Restored... Russian Demands Must Be Considered"

Repressure Over Sweden's NATO Accession Ratification

Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, President of T?rkiye, urged the West to consider Russia's demands, stating that he could restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative through talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, major foreign media reported on the 21st (local time).

President Erdo?an expressed concern to reporters on the plane returning from his Middle East and Northern Cyprus tour, saying, "The termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative will bring a series of consequences, including rising global food prices, food shortages in some regions, and an increase in migrants."

He emphasized, "I believe that by discussing this issue deeply with President Putin, we can ensure the continuation of humanitarian efforts."

Russia and Ukraine signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative on July 22 last year, mediated by T?rkiye and the United Nations, to guarantee the safe export of grain and fertilizers through the Black Sea.

The agreement was extended three times but expired on the 17th. However, Russia refused a fourth extension, declared the suspension of the agreement, and withdrew its guarantee of safe navigation in the Black Sea.

Vladimir Putin (left), President of Russia, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right), President of Turkey, participating in the opening ceremony of the new gas pipeline 'Turk Stream' in Istanbul, Turkey, on January 8, 2020 (local time).
[Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

Russia is demanding the removal of trade barriers to export its grain and fertilizers to the international market, but the West argues that financial sanctions related to agricultural trade are exempted, so there is no problem with Russia's food exports.

President Erdo?an said, "I know that President Putin has certain expectations of the West," adding, "It is crucial that the West takes measures regarding this."

He also reiterated his hope that President Putin would visit T?rkiye in August.

President Erdo?an recently again urged Sweden, which agreed to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to fulfill its promises.

He said, "We hope the promises will be fulfilled," and added, "It would be beneficial for Sweden to implement concrete measures in handing over terrorist suspects and fighting terrorist organizations."

President Erdo?an withdrew his opposition to Sweden's NATO membership just before the NATO summit held on the 11th and 12th but recently stated that the official ratification process is impossible before October due to the parliamentary recess.

Since Sweden applied for NATO membership in May last year, it has not been able to join NATO due to the lack of consent from T?rkiye and Hungary. Although it recently received consent from both countries, formal membership is delayed as neither country has processed the ratification bill.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.