President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Sochi, Russia to make official contacts. President Erdoğan made a statement to the press before his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In his statement on the agenda items to be discussed during the meeting, Erdoğan made the following statements:

"First of all, we are in a very different period in Turkey-Russia relations with this invitation. Especially in such a period when the war between Russia and Ukraine has come to a head, the fact that you have made this visit, that you have made this invitation, has made me and my delegation really happy. Of course, the fact that our current foreign trade volume between Turkey and Russia is 62 billion dollars and that we are walking towards the target of 100 billion dollars really makes us very happy.

I believe that the fact that our Central Bank presidents will come together here today, and that they will also meet with each other, is also important in terms of stepping into the domestic currency in bilateral relations between us.

Developments at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant continue very well. As you have also stated, it is an important event that there are nearly 25 thousand jobs there. The step taken regarding the first unit is very good, and I think that we will also take a step regarding the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant, as we have previously discussed with you. Of course, the fact that there will be a hub in Thrace is another element of richness and vitality. One of the most important steps between Turkey and Russia is the developments in tourism. Russia is currently number one in tourism, it is in such a position. Along with all these, the most important step, everyone is looking at the Grain Corridor issue with this visit in Turkey-Russia relations today. They are waiting to see what will come out from here regarding the Grain Corridor. I believe that the message to be given at the press conference after our meeting will be very important for the world, especially for the underdeveloped African countries.

The most important issue between us is the steps we have taken and will take in the defence industry. In the energy sector, we are already in an important cooperation with Russia on natural gas. I believe that we will continue to develop this further."