The Turkstream pipeline is currently the only pipeline that still supplies significant amounts of Russian natural gas to Europe. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, it could be used to channel more gas to Europe. This is “currently the safest delivery route,” he said Thursday.
Putin met his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Astana, Kazakhstan. There they decided to further expand economic cooperation between their countries. For example, there could be a new gas roundabout in Turkey to transport natural gas to other countries, Putin said. Turkey is “currently the safest delivery route”. As an example, he cited the Turkstream pipeline, which runs through the Black Sea and Turkey to southeastern Europe.
Grain Agreement is being further developed
Another topic of discussion was the agreement on the export of grain and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia via Turkey. This needs to be further developed in order to be able to supply the developing countries. “We could determine together which countries these will be,” Erdogan said. The agreement was negotiated in July with Turkish and UN mediation. Since then, however, most deliveries have gone to wealthier countries, Erdogan criticized.
The Turkish president has been criticized by NATO partner countries, among others, for his cooperative course with Putin. His cooperation would “definitely hinder some, but the developing countries will certainly be happier,” he defended himself. The US and the EU had recently stepped up pressure on the Turkish government to join the sanctions against Russia. But Erdogan thinks he can act as a mediator between Kiev and Moscow. In addition, his country benefits economically from Russia.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
