Putin tells Erdogan Russia open for grain talks

SOCHI, Sep 4 (PRIME) -- Russia is open for negotiations on the grain deal, President Vladimir Putin told his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday.

"I know that you will raise the grain deal question. We are open for negotiations on the matter," Putin said.

Putin expressed hope that Russia would finish the negotiations with Turkey on establishment of a gas hub soon.

"I hope that we will finish negotiations to establish a gas hub in Turkey soon in order to make the energy situation in the region more stable and balanced. It seems to me that it will be beneficial," he said.

Erdogan told Putin that the gas hub project was important for Turkey.

According to Putin, construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant was proceeding in accordance with the plan with the launch of the first unit slated for 2024.

Russia and Turkey have already reached agreements between the key suppliers and consumers in the energy sector, he added.

The president also said that the growth of the trade volume between Russia and Turkey continued in January–June, but the rate fell from the 2022 one of 8.6%. Erdogan said that Moscow and Ankara were aiming at a U.S. $100 billion trade volume.

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