US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavushoghlu. According to the US State Department, Blinken thanked the foreign minister for his government’s efforts to ensure the continuation of the Black Sea “grain initiative” under the mediation of the United Nations.

“The parties emphasized the importance of NATO unity, and support for the defense of Ukraine against Russia’s unprovoked war. Secretary of State Blinken also expressed his concern about the situation in Syria,” the message says.