Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ankara would continue its efforts to end the war in Ukraine through a just and lasting peace, the electronic edition of the “Hürriyet“ newspaper reports, BTA reports.
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia, the war in Ukraine, as well as a number of regional and global topics over the phone, the Turkish Presidency's Communications Directorate reported.
“Our President stated that Turkey is ready to contribute to any diplomatic initiatives and plans that can facilitate direct contact between the countries and pave the way for lasting peace in the region, as we have done before“, the statement said. the statement.
Erdogan had previously announced that he planned a conversation with Putin, during which he would raise the issue of resuming the grain deal for safe exports through the Black Sea.
Turkey maintains close relations with both Kiev and Moscow - it provides military assistance to Ukraine, but refuses to join Western sanctions against Russia. So far, three rounds of peace talks have been held on Turkish territory, and Ankara remains ready to host a meeting between the two leaders.