Erdogan discusses with Putin idea of production in Turkey of flour from Russian grain, its supply to Africa

ISTANBUL. Jan 16 (Interfax) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, again stated Ankara's readiness for mediation in the settlement in Ukraine, and the sides also discussed the grain issue, Anadolu news agency reported.

"President Erdogan again stated Ankara's readiness for assistance and mediation in achieving lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine," the agency said in a report, citing the communications department of the Turkish presidential administration.

The report also stated that the two leaders "exchanged opinions on specific steps for grinding Russian grain into flour in Turkey for the purpose of subsequent supply to African countries."

The Kremlin press service earlier reported that Putin and Erdogan had discussed the creation in Turkey of a gas hub, the Ukraine situation and the prisoner swap issue, and the implementation of the grain deal.