Zelensky and Erdogan discuss situation around Black Sea grain deal

MOSCOW. July 24 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan "coordinated efforts" on restoring the Black Sea grain deal during a phone conversation on Friday.

"I thanked my counterpart for the fruitful meeting in Istanbul on July 7 and for Turkey's principled position regarding Ukraine's NATO membership. We coordinated efforts to restore the operation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative," Ukrainian media outlets quoted Zelensky as saying in a social media post.

The Turkish president's office has confirmed the phone call with Zelensky.

"President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with President Vladimir Zelensky of Ukraine. The two leaders discussed in detail the extension of the Black Sea Grain Corridor Agreement during the call, held upon President Zelensky's request," Ukrainian media quoted Erdogan's office as saying in a statement.