Erdogan's View on Putin and Comments on Exploration

Turkish media reported today, Thursday, that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated he does not agree with the negative approach displayed by other leaders towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that Russia cannot be ignored. In comments to journalists in New York during the United Nations General Assembly meetings, Erdogan reiterated his hope for a resolution to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative with Russia and Ukraine. Regarding relations with Israel, he said, "Turkey and Israel will soon take joint steps in the field of energy exploration," adding that the two countries will also work on operating energy networks to Europe via Turkey. In remarks to journalists in New York after attending the UN General Assembly meetings, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Erdogan also mentioned that they agreed to exchange visits in the near future.