Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan have held talks about resuming grain exports from Ukraine.

File Photo: Ship in Ukraine transporting Grain

Map of the Black Sea, All exports leaving via ship are required to pass through Turkey

Speaking via telephone, Zelensky and Erdogan spoke for roughly two hours about establishing a safe corridor for grain exports to leave the black sea.

President Zelesnky (left), President Erdogan (right)

In a brief readout, President Erdogan said he wishes for “peace to come to Ukraine.” Erdogan added that Turkey is working on a plan that will allow Ukraine’s grain and other products to hit the global market. The Turkish government followed up on the president’s comments saying that when a plan is finalized, they will present it to the United Nations.

Turkish President Erdogan

Ukrainian President Zelensky also released a brief statement following the call saying “We appreciate Turkish support. We discussed the importance of unblocking Ukrainian ports and resuming grain exports. We must also prevent Russia from taking our grain from occupied territories.

Ukrainian President Zelensky