Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan did not give a date for the trip, which would mark Putin’s first trip to a NATO member state since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But multiple reports have been suggesting he would visit Turkey on Feb. 12, Daily Sabah reported.
Ankara has sought to persuade Russia to return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative – brokered by Turkey and the United Nations – that ensured the safe export of Ukrainian grain during the war via the Black Sea. Russia withdrew from the accord in July 2023 and has said it was not interested in reviving it.
Speaking at a press conference in the Maltese capital Valletta, Fidan said Turkey was working with Ukraine and Russia to revive the accord.
He said Ankara valued its “ongoing, regular” dialogue with Moscow on a host of issues, from energy to policy differences regarding regional conflicts in Syria, Libya and the Southern Caucasus.
“We have always stood by Ukraine’s territorial integrity and will continue to stand by it, but the destructive impact of the war must end somehow too,” Fidan said, pointing to the grain deal.
Days earlier, Fidan said Ankara and Moscow would weigh in on a new mechanism to allow Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea when their two leaders meet.
MNA/PR
