In the midst of escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has asserted his commitment to diplomatic efforts to revive the Black Sea grain initiative.
Erdogan made this pledge during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, as reported by Erdogan's office.
Erdogan Revive Black Sea Grain Deal Amid Russia-Ukraine Tensions
The Black Sea grain deal, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July 2022, was aimed at ensuring the safe export of grain from Ukraine's Black Sea ports.
However, last month, Russia withdrew from the deal, accusing the West of hindering its own grain and fertiliser exports. Now, both leaders are seeking to find a resolution and revive the agreement, which they describe as a bridge of peace.
During the call, President Erdogan emphasized the significance of refraining from actions that could further escalate tensions during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He highlighted the importance of preserving the Black Sea initiative as a means to foster peaceful relations in the region, as per Reuter
The Turkish presidency's statement indicated that Erdogan and Putin agreed on a potential visit by the Russian president to Turkey, further signifying their intent to engage in dialogue.
Russia's stance on returning to the Black Sea grain deal is conditional upon the fulfillment of obligations by the Western nations regarding Russia's own grain exports. While Moscow's grain and fertiliser exports remain unaffected by Western sanctions imposed over its actions in Ukraine, it claims that logistical and financial barriers have hampered shipments.
The Kremlin stated that Russia would only recommit to the deal once these obligations are met by the West. The recent attack by Russia on Ukraine's main inland port on the Danube River added to concerns about the disruption of grain exports from the region, leading to a surge in global food prices, Yahoo News reported
Global Food Crisis Spurs Urgency
This incident highlights the urgency of finding a resolution to the Black Sea grain initiative, which aimed to alleviate the global food crisis. Both Russia and Ukraine are significant grain exporters, and the deal's expiration on July 17 resulted in rising grain prices.
President Erdogan's office underscored the potential adverse impact of a prolonged inactivity of the grain deal, especially on the most vulnerable countries. Turkey continues to make efforts and engage in diplomatic channels to sustain the agreement, seeking to secure access to grain exports via the Black Sea for the benefit of countries in need.
The Kremlin confirmed the phone call between the two leaders and expressed a willingness to maintain bilateral contact on multiple levels, with a possible meeting between Putin and Erdogan on the horizon. Moscow is also actively working to establish secure supply routes to provide Russia's grain to vulnerable countries, even offering to do so free of charge.
This issue was raised during the Russia-Africa Summit, demonstrating Russia's commitment to humanitarian aid. As tensions persist in the region, both Turkey and Russia recognize the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to mitigate conflicts and support global food security.
Erdogan's pursuit of a reinstated Black Sea grain deal signifies a commitment to finding peaceful solutions in the face of challenges arising from the ongoing crisis. The international community awaits further developments in this critical diplomatic effort, according to Big News Network
