Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured right) told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (left) on Monday that Russia is "open to negotiations" on the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The two leaders are meeting in the Russian city of Sochi to discuss the grain deal and other issues, with Erdogan saying that the resumption of the deal is important for African countries and the world at large.
Putin also said that the Russian-Turkish energy partnership is "moving very confidently" and that there is agreement in principle between "the main suppliers and consumers on both sides." Erdogan added that the creation of a hub for Russian gas in Turkey is important for his country and called for the continuation of close bilateral cooperation.