Erdogan to Putin: I do not agree with the negative approach of world leaders

Turkey’s President Tayyip Recep Erdogan said on Thursday that he disagrees with what he called the negative approach of other world leaders towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Turkish state television.

Speaking to reporters in New York after attending the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Erdogan said that Russia is not a country that can be underestimated and reiterated that there is hope that the Black Sea agreement on the export of cereals can be revived.

“Leaders and prime ministers have a negative approach to Putin. Of course, we do not hold or reflect this attitude. I don’t think these approaches are right, because Russia is not an ordinary country”, Erdogan said.

Moscow pulled out of the grain deal in July.

“Russia has a clear place, either with its surface area or with its position in the world. In terms of grain production, Russia is among the few countries in the world [producing] now. Now, you can’t underestimate such a place,” he added.

Turkey, a NATO ally, has sought to maintain good relations with both Moscow and Kiev since Russia invaded Ukraine last year. It has provided military support to Ukraine and raised its voice for its territorial integrity, but, at the same time, opposed sanctions against Russia in principle.

Ankara is working to persuade Russia to return to the so-called “Black Sea Grains Initiative”, the achievement of which it brokered with the United Nations last year.

After Moscow’s withdrawal ended a year-long protection of grain exports from Ukraine’s wartime ports, Erdogan said he would work with Putin, with whom he has good personal ties, to revive the deal, calling on countries Let the West do its part.