Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that he does not agree with the negative approach of other leaders to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Turkish television stations reported.

Recep Erdogan and Vladimir PutinPhoto: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia

“Leaders and prime ministers have a negative attitude towards Putin,” he allegedly said.

“Of course, we do not bear and do not reflect this attitude. I also don’t think these approaches are correct, because Russia is not an ordinary country,” he added.

In addition, Erdogan praised Moscow’s place as a world leader in grain production.

“Russia ranks first in terms of grain production, and you can’t help but consider such a country,” he said.

NATO member Turkey has struggled to maintain good relations with both Moscow and Kiev since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, and Erdogan has a close personal relationship with Vladimir Putin, Sky News reported.