Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the situation around Ukraine.

As the press service of the Kremlin reports, when discussing the situation in Ukraine, the focus was on ensuring safe navigation in the Black and Azov seas, eliminating the mine threat in their waters.

Vladimir Putin noted the readiness of the Russian side to facilitate the unhindered maritime transit of goods in coordination with Turkish partners. This also applies to the export of grain from Ukrainian ports.

In light of the problems in the global food market that have arisen as a result of the short-sighted financial and economic policies of Western states, it has been confirmed that Russia can export significant volumes of fertilizers and agricultural products if the relevant anti-Russian sanctions restrictions are lifted.

The parties discussed bilateral cooperation, primarily in the trade and economic sphere. A significant increase in mutual trade turnover was noted. They also discussed the results of a recent visit to Turkey by a Russian delegation headed by co-chairman of the Russian-Turkish intergovernmental commission, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. In the context of further strengthening mutually beneficial ties, including in the fields of energy, transport and tourism, the leaders agreed on other contacts.

Some issues of regional policy were also touched upon.

According to the office of the Turkish President, Erdogan expressed readiness to organize a meeting in Istanbul between Russia, Ukraine and the UN and take part in a possible monitoring mechanism if both sides reach an agreement in principle.

He also stated the need to establish peace between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible, as well as to take measures to eliminate the negative consequences of the war and build confidence.