US-Erdogan, Biden Discuss Security Issues, Grain Deal In Sideline Meet

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Joe Biden had a short, unannounced discussion on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. The office of the Turkish presidency stated that the two 'discussed bilateral relations, including trade and security issues'.

• Andolou News reports Biden expressed condolences over the Istanbul terrorist attack, and praised Erdogan for his efforts to support the Black Sea Grain Initiative to resume exports of Ukrainian grain. White House readout says the two, "both agreed [the grain initiative] has been critical to improving global food security amid Russia's war and that initiative must continue."
• Wires report Biden stating that he will continue to support Turkey's F-16 fighter jet purchase scheme, and that Turkey remains an 'important actor' in Sweden's NATO accession process.
• US-Turkey relations have been tested in past years by Ankara's close relations (compared to other NATO states) w/Russia. However, Erdogan's role as interlocutor between Russia and Ukraine has proved crucial in reaching grain deal, therefore US will likely seek to talk up Turkey's role in NATO alliance.