A bulk carrier Negmar Cicek is loaded with grain in Black Sea port of Chornomorsk, Odessa region on March 24, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Türkiye's presidency said in a statement.

During a phone call with Putin, Erdogan underlined the importance of the initiative, which he identified as a "bridge of peace," saying its long-term shutdown "will not benefit anyone" and the low-income countries in need of grain will suffer the most.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative was brokered by Türkiye and the United Nations in July 2022 and expired

READ MORE: UN voices concern over Black Sea grain shipments slowdown

The prices of cereals, which decreased by 23 percent during the implementation period of the grain deal, have increased by 15 percent in the last two weeks, the Turkish president noted.

The two leaders agreed on the visit of Putin to Türkiye soon.

READ MORE: Russia suspends participation in Black Sea grain deal

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Ukraine to export its grain and other agricultural products from its Black Sea ports, was brokered by Türkiye and the United Nations in July 2022 and expired last month after Russia's withdrawal.