Putin, Erdogan discuss Ukraine, implementation of grain deal, energy cooperation over phone

MOSCOW. Feb 27 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the phone on Friday, the Kremlin press service said.

The two presidents discussed "topical issues of Russian-Turkish cooperation, including in the energy sector," the statement said. "Practical aspects of further supplies of Russian energy resources and the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in detail," the press service said.

"The parties exchanged views on the situation surrounding Ukraine in the light of the principal assessments set out by the Russian president in his recent address to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The parties focused on the implementation of the Istanbul agreements on the exports of Ukrainian grain and the exports of Russian agricultural products and fertilizer. The need for the implementation in good faith of the second part of the 'package' concerning the removal of obstacles to the relevant supplies from Russia to the countries most in need was highlighted," it said.

During the phone conversation, Erdogan "expressed profound gratitude for Russia's assistance in dealing with the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, noting the high professionalism of Russian rescuers and doctors."

For his part, Putin "reaffirmed his willingness to continue to provide the Turkish party with necessary assistance in the recovery operations in the regions of the country affected by the natural disaster," the press service added.

The parties agreed to continue personal contacts.