Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a telephone conversation. They discussed the Russian-Ukrainian exchange of prisoners, including the wounded. This was reported by TARS with reference to the press service of the Kremlin.
"The exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine continued. In particular, at the initiative of the Turkish side and taking into account the recent contacts in Ankara, the human rights commissioners of Russia and Ukraine will raise the issue of the exchange of prisoners, primarily the wounded," the message emphasizes.
It is also said that Putin and Erdogan discussed the normalization of relations between Ankara and Damascus.
In addition, the leaders emphasized the practical importance of the joint work of Russia, Turkey and Iran within the framework of the "Astanin process" of facilitating the Syrian settlement.
It is also reported that Putin and Erdoğan discussed cooperation between the countries in the energy sector, allegedly among the priority issues.
"Both sides have confirmed their commitment to the further comprehensive development of Russian-Turkish cooperation. Among the priorities is cooperation in the field of energy, including the supply of Russian natural gas and the creation of a regional gas hub in Turkey," the Kremlin said.
In a preliminary conversation held on January 5, the leaders also emphasized the importance of implementing joint energy projects. At that time, Erdogan noted that Turkey will soon complete the preparation of the road map of the gas hub.
"The leaders discussed the implementation of grain agreements. "The implementation of the package Istanbul agreements of July 22, 2022 on the export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports and the unblocking of supplies of food and fertilizers from Russia was reviewed," the Kremlin press service reported.
Earlier it was reported that Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to hold telephone talks with his colleagues from Ukraine and Russia, Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Volodymyr Putin. The main topic of conversation will be the opening of a humanitarian corridor for the wounded.