The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoganannounced that it was possible to extend the agreement on exports of Ukrainian grains and Russian fertilizers that expired this Saturday and that it is key to prevent the world food crisis from deepening.
“As a result of our conversations with both parties, we have obtained an extension of this agreement”said the president in a speech in the city Çanakkale, in the west of the country.
During his speech, the Turkish leader did not specify the duration of the extension: Moscow asked for it to be for 60 days, while kyiv wanted it to be renewed for twice as long.
Ukraine and Russia together produce a third of the world’s wheat And its exports are also key in products such as corn and sunflower oil, so the blockade on exports due to the war affected food security, especially in developing countries.
Ukraine and Russia together produce a third of the world’s wheat
In July 2022, the agreement was signed between the UNUkraine, Russia and Turkey, which enabled the marketing of these cereals through the Black Sea, and which since then has allowed the sale of more than 24 million tons of food.
In mid-November, and despite a previous decision by the Kremlin to temporarily withdraw from the agreement, it was extended for 120 days and expired this Saturday.
Complaints from Russia and Ukraine
Beyond the advances that the pact allowed, both Russia and Ukraine complained about the way it is being implemented.
Weeks ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine He took aim at Russia’s “destructive actions”, which “obstruct the agreement in general, shipping in the Black Sea and free access of food to world markets.”
Specifically, he denounced that the Russian representatives who inspect the cargo ships to prevent them from carrying weapons “systematically delay” the work, so that half of the planned investigations are carried out every day and there are ships that have been waiting for their passage for more than a month. by the Bosphorus.
For his part, Russia complains that its exports of fertilizers are blocked, despite an agreement that works in tandem with that of Ukrainian grains, so that this product is not affected by the sanctions imposed by Western countries since the start of the war on 24 last February.
Moscow also argues that the grains are not being destined for the countries that most need these foods.
