Ukraine deserves to join NATO, Russia and Ukraine must return to peace talks,” Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said today after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart in Istanbul.

We will support the reconstruction of Ukraine and continue efforts to end the war through negotiations, he stressed

Erdogan said he hoped the agreement allowing Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea would be extended.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Turkey in August, Erdogan said.

Yesterday, Friday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky met in Istanbul.

After their face-to-face talks at the Vakhdetin Palace, Erdogan and Zelensky will hold meetings with their delegations to discuss bilateral relations, regional and international issues, including the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, its grain deal of the Black Sea which is due to expire on July 17 and the assurance of peace and stability in the Black Sea region.

Under this agreement, more than 32 tons of grain are being transported to people in need, according to Turkish officials.

After the meeting, Erdogan and Zelensky said the negotiations were “very important”.

“Security — both in our Black Sea region and in Europe at large. I am grateful for the support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Peace plan. The protection of our countries, our people and our interests. Attention to NATO summit in the making,” he tweeted.