Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the grain deal had been extended by 60 days, according to TASS. “I would like to break good news to the world. You know about the Black Sea grain corridor agreement, which was initiated by the intensive efforts of our country and me personally. The last extension period of the agreement, signed in Istanbul thanks to the leadership of Turkiye, the constructive position of Russia and Ukraine and assistance from the UN, was to expire [on 18 May]. It was decided to extend the agreement on the Black Sea grain corridor for another two months. I wish to see this decision benefit all parties. We will continue our efforts in the future, fulfilling all terms of the agreement,” the Turkish leader stressed. Erdogan thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for their efforts. The Turkish leader expressed the hope that in the context of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, “everyone will live to see a long-term ceasefire and the establishment of peace.” On July 22, 2022, a package of documents was signed in Istanbul on the supply of food and fertilizers to the international market. The arrangements were originally concluded for 120 days, and later extended for the same period last November. On 18 March 2023, Russia announced a 60-day extension of the deal. It warned that this would be enough to assess the implementation of the memorandum signed with the UN.

Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency