UPDATE - Turkish foreign minister meets US counterpart in New York

ADDS STATE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT

By Servet Gunerigok

NEW YORK (AA) – Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York, discussing a range of issues including the Black Sea grain deal and tensions in the South Caucasus.

According to the US State Department, Blinken said the US continues to engage to facilitate dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and help achieve a long-term political settlement to the conflict.

"They also discussed ways to advance coordination and NATO unity in response to Russia's war against Ukraine," spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

The two diplomats also discussed the Black Sea grain deal signed in Istanbul in July that allowed shipments to leave Ukrainian ports.

"The Secretary commended Turkish diplomatic efforts to ensure continued shipment of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea and emphasized the importance of maintaining UN-brokered agreements and holding Moscow accountable for the commitments it has made," said Price.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the closed door meeting at Lotte New York Palace, Blinken said he was "grateful" for Türkiye's contribution in NATO as an ally and role for dealing with challenges "we're facing now."

The Turkish foreign minister said on Twitter that he discussed with Blinken "bilateral issues, the war in Ukraine & regional developments."

The meeting, which came on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, lasted about 30 minutes.

*Dildar Baykan contributed to the story.