Zelensky, Erdogan discuss efforts to restore eration of Black Sea grain export deal

The head of state said this on his Twitter account, Ukrinform reports.

"I had a phone conversation with President of Türke Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I thanked my cleague for the fruitful meeting in Istanbul on July 7 and Turkey's principled position regarding Ukraine," Zelensky wrote.

He added that both parties had coordinated efforts to restore the eration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

"Due to Russia's actions, the world is once again on the brink of a food crisis. A total of 400 million pele in many countries of Africa and Asia are at risk of starvation. Together, we must avert a global food crisis," Zelensky said.

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Zelensky also discussed with Erdogan the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and asked for the Turkish leader's assistance in returning Ukrainian POWs, particularly Crimean Tatars.

Earlier on Friday, Erdogan said that Turkey would "not hesitate" to take the initiative needed to prevent the "harmful effects" of Russia pulling out of the Black Sea grain deal.