Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Sochi will be of critical importance for the grain deal in terms of risks of the increase of grain prices on global markets, a source in the Turkish technical delegation participating in talks on the deal told Sputnik on Monday.
Putin and Erdogan will meet in the Russian city of Sochi on Monday, with the grain deal reportedly being high on the agenda.
"These talks between the two leaders are of critical importance. There will be clarity on further steps as regards our [Black Sea grain] initiative as I have already said. As you know, there are risks of increase of prices on grain on global markets, that is why all details, statements, agreements will be very important. We hope for a positive outcome," the source said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on August 31 that he had sent concrete solutions to Lavrov about more effective access of Russian products to global markets as part of his efforts to renew the grain deal. However, the proposals lack guarantees when it comes to Russia’s concerns, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
On July 18, Russia terminated its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which facilitated the export of Ukrainian grain amid the ongoing conflict in the country. Moscow said that the terms of the deal regarding Russia were not being implemented despite the UN's efforts because Western countries were not going to fulfill their promises.