Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced this Saturday the extension of the international agreement on the export of Ukrainian grains, without specifying the duration of this extension, the AFP reported.
“After talks with both sides, we have secured the extension of the agreement which was due to end on March 19,” the Turkish leader said in a televised speech.
“The agreement on the grain corridor should end from next SaturdayO. As a result of negotiations with both parties, we have extended the time. The continuation and stability of the agreement is essential”said Erdogan, also quoted by Europa Press.
Erdogan today attended a public event in Çanakkale, western Turkey, where he thanked Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations for their involvement in the negotiations.
Ankara had previously said it expected a 120-day extension, while Russia pushed for a 60-day deal to extend the pact that allows exports of Ukrainian agricultural products through Black Sea ports.
The deal has enabled the export of 24 million tons of grain on more than 1,600 merchant ship voyages since last July.
Fifty-five percent of this food went to developing countries.
Source: DN
