ANKARA: Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that grain deal signed in Istanbul in July would be extended for another 120 days.

“Following decision made by UN, Turkiye, Russia and Ukraine agreement on Black Sea corridor will be extended from November 19, 2022 for 120 days,” Turkish leader wrote on Twitter.

Erdogan thanked UN Chief Antonio Guterres, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky for their efforts to extend initiative. “My congratulations to all those who contributed to this process,” he said.

According to Erdogan, over 11 million metric tonnes of agricultural products have been exported via maritime humanitarian corridor since launch of initiative. “Implementation of agreement showed how important and useful it is for provision of global food security,” President emphasised.

Agreement on export of food from Ukraine were concluded on July 22 for a period of 120 days. One of agreements regulating grain exports from Kiev-controlled ports of Odessa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny is valid until November 19, while Istanbul-based Joint Coordination Center established by Russia, UN, Ukraine and Turkiye is designed to conduct vessel inspections to prevent weapons smuggling or any provocations.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 18 2022

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