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Erdoğan, Putin hold phone call to discuss Black Sea grain deal-UPDATED

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Türkiye and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia

02 August 2023 14:30 (UTC +04:00)

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of Russia Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation, according to the information released by the Directorate of Communications, APA reports citing A news.

During the call, the two leaders agreed on Putin's visit to Türkiye. President Erdoğan expressed gratitude for the two amphibious firefighting aircraft sent by Russia to aid Türkiye's efforts in fighting forest fires.

Erdoğan also expressed satisfaction with the growing interest of Russian tourists in Türkiye and anticipated a record-breaking tourism season this year with joint efforts.

Erdoğan emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could escalate tensions during the Russia-Ukraine war and highlighted the significance of the Black Sea Initiative as a "bridge of peace."

Turkish leader pointed out that a prolonged shutdown of the initiative would have adverse effects, particularly for countries in need of grain and with lower income, as grain prices had decreased by 23 percent during the implementation period but increased by 15 percent in the last two weeks.

Erdoğan assured that Ankara will continue to conduct intensive efforts and diplomacy to uphold the continuity of the Black Sea Initiative.

*** 13:42

Russian President and head of Turkish state hold phone talk, APA reports.

According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan are holding a phone talk at this moment, APA reports.