Putin informs Erdogan of negotiations with Ukraine - Kremlin

MOSCOW. March 17 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have had a telephone call, during which they discussed Ukraine and the bilateral agenda, the Kremlin said on Thursday.

"The parties discussed various aspects of the development of the situation surrounding the special military operation to protect Donbas. Vladimir Putin also informed [Erdogan] about the negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian representatives," it said.

"Special emphasis was placed during the conversation on the humanitarian component. Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his gratitude for facilitating the evacuation from Ukrainian territory of Turkish citizens and the safe departure of vessels carrying Turkish cargo from Russian ports in the Sea of Azov," it said.

Putin and Erdogan also reviewed the bilateral agenda in detail and "positively assessed the outcomes of the recent negotiations between the foreign ministers in Antalya and Moscow. They expressed their determination to further develop mutually beneficial trade-economic cooperation, including the implementation of strategic projects in the energy sector," the Kremlin said.

"They agreed to continue contacts at various levels," it said.