ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend the Black Sea grain deal, which is set to expire next week. The deal allows for the export of Ukrainian grain to help alleviate the global food crisis.
Erdogan revealed that he had discussed the matter with Putin, and they have reached an agreement on the extension of the Black Sea grain corridor.
The Black Sea grain deal, signed five months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has been crucial in facilitating the export of Ukrainian grain. However, Putin has previously threatened not to renew the deal due to obstacles faced by Russia’s own exports.
Erdogan expressed his optimism about the extension, stating, “We are preparing to welcome Putin in August, and we agree on the extension of the Black Sea grain corridor.” The Turkish president also highlighted that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter to Putin this week, supporting the removal of hurdles to Russia’s fertilizer exports, another concern raised by Moscow.
Erdogan expressed his hope that through joint efforts and with the support of Guterres’ letter, they can ensure the extension of the grain corridor.
Putin Warns Russia’s Conditions for Grain Deal Not Met
However, Putin, in a televised interview on Thursday, warned that none of Moscow’s conditions for the deal had been met. He emphasized that no progress had been made on resolving the issues, and Russia’s concerns were not being addressed. Putin stated, “We will think about what to do; we have a few more days.”
The Black Sea grain deal, brokered by Erdogan, has allowed Ukraine to export over 32 million tonnes of grain, bypassing Russian warships in the Black Sea. This grain has played a vital role in feeding people in developing countries across Africa, the Middle East, and other regions. If the exports were to be blocked once again, it could lead to a further increase in food prices.
With the extension of the Black Sea grain deal, there is hope for continued stability in the global food market and the alleviation of the ongoing food crisis. The negotiations between Turkey and Russia will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth continuation of grain exports from Ukraine and addressing the concerns raised by Moscow.
