Suspension of Black Sea Grain Deal Causing Suffrage of Low-Income Countries: President Erdogan

• Turkish President Erdogan Pledges Diplomatic Support for Grain Deal Resumption
• President Erdogan and Russian leader Vladimir Putin exchange views on Black Sea deal

Islamabad: “The long-term suspension of the Black Sea deal will not benefit anyone, rather the low-income countries in need of grain will suffer the most” said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan while talking to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.

Türkiye will continue to carry out “intense” efforts and diplomacy for the resumption of the Black Sea grain deal, Underlining the importance of the Black Sea grain deal, which he regards as a “bridge of peace,” Erdogan emphasized that during the Russia-Ukraine war, steps that may escalate tension should not be taken.

In the telephonic call, Erdogan emphasised that grain prices, which decreased by 23% during the deal implementation period, have increased by 15% in the last two weeks, the official statement said.

On July 17, Russia suspended its participation in the deal, which it signed last July along with Türkiye, the UN, and Ukraine to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports paused after the Russia-Ukraine war began in February. But even when renewing the deal in previous months, Moscow has complained that the Russian part of the agreement was not being implemented.

During the conversation, the two leaders also agreed on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Türkiye, Communications Directorate said, in a statement.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has said that only Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan can bring Russia back to the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

“Ukraine is coordinating (efforts) with Erdogan to bring (Russian President Vladimir) Putin back to the Black Sea grain deal, and Erdogan is coordinating with (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy. This is a common interest. Erdogan is the only leader who can get Putin back to the deal,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in an interview with local Ukrinform news agency.

By: M.A

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