Russia can export food if sanctions are lifted, Putin confirms Erdogan

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) talks with Turkey`s President Erdogan as they pose for a group picture during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China on 4 September 2016Reuters file photo

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed readiness of the Russian side to export fertiliser and food stuff if sanctions are lifted during a telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, the Kremlin’s press service said.

“In the light of problems on the global food market occurred in consequence of the unwise financial and economic policy of Western states, it was confirmed that Russia can export considerable volumes of fertiliser and agricultural produce in case of relevant anti-Russian sanctions are lifted,” the Kremlin said.

Putin and Erdogan discussed the situation in Ukraine with the focus on providing safe navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and elimination of the mine threat in their water areas, reports BSS quoting Russian news agency TASS.

“Vladimir Putin noted readiness of the Russian side to facilitate unobstructed seaborne transit of goods in coordination with Turkish partners. This also pertains to export of grain from Ukrainian ports,” the press service noted.