Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call to discuss key regional and international issues, according to a Kremlin statement. Their conversation covered energy cooperation, the resumption of the grain deal, recent Russia-US expert-level talks in Riyadh, and the Black Sea Initiative.
Energy Cooperation
The two leaders reviewed ongoing projects in the energy sector, reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral trade and strategic energy initiatives. The Kremlin noted the positive momentum in Russia-Turkey relations, highlighting economic growth and stronger commercial ties.
Situation in Syria
Putin and Erdoğan stressed the importance of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as essential for stabilizing the country and ensuring the rights of all ethnic and religious communities. The discussion came amid escalating clashes in Syria’s Latakia, Tartus, and Homs provinces between security forces of the transitional government and local armed groups.
Ukraine Crisis
Putin informed Erdoğan of continued Ukrainian attempts to target Russia’s energy infrastructure. Their conversation also touched on the recent Russia-US negotiations in Riyadh, where both sides agreed to a 30-day moratorium on attacks against each other's energy facilities, effective from March 18.
Russia-US Dialogue
Putin shared his perspective on the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Moscow and Washington regarding the Ukraine conflict. Erdoğan welcomed the renewal of talks and expressed Turkey’s readiness to support further negotiations, including efforts to revive the Black Sea grain initiative. The Kremlin characterized recent diplomatic engagements at various levels as constructive.
Grain Deal Revival
The leaders discussed the prospects of reinstating the Black Sea grain deal, initially brokered in July 2022 with Turkish and UN mediation. They emphasized the need to remove obstacles preventing the export of Russian food and fertilizers.
To conclude the call, Putin extended his best wishes to Erdoğan and the Turkish people on the occasion of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid al-Fitr (Uraza Bayram) holiday.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS