Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral relations and a range of regional and global issues during a phone call on Wednesday, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said.

Erdogan emphasised the importance of continued efforts to ensure navigational safety in the Black Sea, according to a statement released by the directorate on Türkiye’s social media platform NSosyal.

Türkiye backs direct Russia-Ukraine contacts

Erdogan said Türkiye remains ready to contribute to efforts aimed at establishing direct contacts between Russia and Ukraine, reinforcing Ankara’s stated role as a potential facilitator of dialogue between the two sides.

The leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations and broader regional and international developments, although the statement did not provide further details on the issues discussed.

During the call, Erdogan congratulated Putin on his birthday as well as on his party’s success in Russia’s State Duma elections.