Zelensky and Erdogan agree to work on Black Sea grain corridor

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan "important and substantive". He said so in a post on social media. According to Zelensky, a significant part of the conversation was devoted to issues related to the Black Sea.

"Together with President Erdogan, we discussed new ideas and proposals that may prove useful. Among them is food security. With President Erdogan, we agreed that we will work on the "Black Sea grain corridor" to ensure its existence and effective functioning," Zelensky said.

According to him, a free trade agreement between the two countries has entered into force, opening new opportunities for Ukrainian and Turkish businesses. Zelensky said that new joint industrial and other economic projects are being prepared, and that there is significant potential in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He also met with representatives of Turkish energy companies and said he expects an increase in the supply of generators and other energy equipment from next week.

According to Erdogan, the meeting discussed in detail the efforts recently intensified to achieve peace in Ukraine and the security situation in the Black Sea.

"We welcome the fact that initiatives to end the war through diplomatic means, especially thanks to the efforts of US President Mr. Trump, have received new momentum. I want to emphasize that we are ready to do everything within our power to pave the way towards peace," Erdogan writes.

According to him, alongside the recent escalation, conflicts are also spreading to the Black Sea.

"It is clear that attacks on civilian ships and actions that increase tensions in the Black Sea will not benefit anyone. We cannot accept these attacks in any way, regardless of where they come from or what justifications are used for them. In this regard, we call on all sides to act responsibly. We will continue discussions with the parties to restore safe navigation in the Black Sea," Erdogan says.

According to him, the Turkish side once again confirmed its commitment to Ukraine, a strategic partner, and to its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.