Vladimir Putin Reaps Negative Sentiment From A Number Of World Leaders, President Erdogan: Russia Is Not An Ordinary Country

President Erdogan. (Source: Presidency of The Republic of Turkiye)

JAKARTA - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reminded Russia is not an ordinary country, along with his disapproval of the negative sentiment directed by a number of world leaders against his partner, President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking to reporters in New York after attending the United Nations General Assembly, President Erdogan said Russia was not a negligible country, repeating its hopes of finding a solution to revive the Black Sea seed initiative that Moscow had stopped in July.

"Both the (president, red) and prime minister leaders have a negative approach towards Putin. Of course, we don't carry or reflect this attitude. I also don't think these approaches are true, because Russia is not an ordinary country," President Erdogan said.

"Both with its territory and position in the world, Russia has a clear place. In terms of grain production, Russia is one of the few countries in the world today. Now, you can't ignore a country like this," said President Erdogan.

Turkey has been trying to maintain good relations with Moscow and Kyiv since Russia invaded Ukraine last year. Turkey has provided military support to Ukraine and voiced support for its territorial integrity, but has also opposed sanctions against Russia in principle.

In addition, Ankara has been trying to convince Russia to return to what is known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the United Nations.

After Moscow's withdrawal ended a year of exports of protected grains from the Ukrainian port amid last July's war, President Erdogan said he would work closely with President Putin, who has good personal ties with him, to revive the deal, calling on Western countries to do their part.