ISTANBUL. March 22 (Interfax) - Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu had a phone conversation on Wednesday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said.
Shoigu and Akar discussed the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the situation in Syria and the global food crisis in the phone call, the ministry said.
Akar commended cooperation under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, adding that this had had a positive effect on the global food crisis, Anadolu Agency said.
Touching on problems in Syria, Akar noted that exchange between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is of great importance for peace and stability in this region.
Separately, Akar thanked Russia for support provided in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes in Turkey.