Blinken discusses expansion of grain initiative with Turkish Foreign Minister

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discusses the importance of expanding the Black Sea Grain Initiative during a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

According to Ukrinform, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department stated this in a statement.

It is noted that Blinken also called on Türkiye to support Sweden's membership in NATO.

Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of NATO's unity at such a critical time and called on Türkiye to support Sweden in joining NATO now, the statement said.

Read also: No new vessels allowed to join Black Sea Grain Initiative since June 26 - UN

The U.S. and Türkiye have long-standing and deep bilateral defense ties. Türkiye's continued interoperability with NATO remains a priority.

As Ukrinform reported, the European Commission is assessing the negotiations on the Black Sea Grain Initiative under the leadership of the UN and Türkiye and calls on all parties to this agreement to extend it to ensure the supply of Ukrainian grain to its consumers on the world market.