ISTANBUL: Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has voiced need to respect Russia’s statement on reports of suspected missile attack on Poland and said pointing fingers at Russia would further escalate tensions.

Speaking at a press conference on sidelines of G20 Bali Summit in Indonesia, he said, “I need to respect Russia’s statement. In this regard, it is important for us (to mention) that Russia says, ‘This has nothing to do with us.’”

He said that pointing fingers at Russia after finding out that missile is not Russian-made will further escalate tensions. “Launching an investigation (on incident) is essential,” he added. Erdogan’s remarks came after reports of a suspected missile attack on Poland that killed two people.

On Istanbul grain deal, Erdogan said he believed a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain through Black Sea that is set to expire on Saturday would remain in place. “I am of opinion that it will continue. There’s no problem there,” Erdogan said. Ukraine is one of world’s top grain producers and Russia’s incursion into country blocked 20 million tonnes of grain in its ports before United Nations and Türkiye-brokered deal in July. Erdogan said he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as he returned to Türkiye. “We will also discuss transport of fertiliser and ammonia,” he said. “Because path to peace passes through dialogue,” he added.

Türkiye, UN, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement on July 22 in Istanbul to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which were paused after Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February. More than 10 million tonnes of grain have been exported from Ukraine since August 1, according to UN.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 17 2022

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