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Russia, Turkey agree to increase number of flights, says Deputy PM Novak

Agreements were reached to increase the number of flights both from the side of Turkish Airlines and from the side of our companies that will be flying, Novak said

ANKARA, May 19. /TASS/. Moscow and Ankara have agreed to increase the number of flights both from the side of Russia and from the side of Turkey for maintaining the tourist flow, co-chair of the Russian-Turkish intergovernmental commission, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters on Wednesday.

"Agreements were reached to increase the number of flights both from the side of Turkish Airlines and from the side of our companies that will be flying. This will ensure the necessary number of flights for the tourist flow," he said.

Around 4.7 mln Russians visited Turkey last year, Novak added, noting that it is necessary to ensure transport service for maintaining and possibly increasing the tourist flow.

Moscow does not intend to suspend wheat supplies to Turkey, with the two countries’ agriculture ministries being in constant touch on the issue, co-chair of the Russian-Turkish intergovernmental commission, Novak said.

"Sanctions do not hinder [wheat supplies from Russia to Turkey], the point is the volumes. The Russian Agriculture Ministry is in constant touch with the Turkish Agriculture Ministry, the volumes issue has not arisen as an issue of concern," he said.

Russia’s Agriculture Ministry estimates grain exports from the country at 45-48 mln tonnes in 2021-2022 agricultural year. The ministry has not yet provided its outlook on wheat exports, though the Centre for grain quality assurance projects wheat exports at up to 37 mln tonnes.

Grain exports from Russia amounted to 49 mln tonnes in 2020-2021 agricultural year (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021), including 38.4 mln tonnes of wheat.