Erdogan believes to convince Putin to change his mind about "grain deal"

That's according to CNN, Ukrinform reports.

Erdogan characterized the grain deal as a "vital initiative" for humanity, outlining Turkey's commitment to support its future.

“The termination of the Black Sea grain initiative will have a range of (harmful) effects, ranging from raising global food prices, in some regions to famine, and then new waves of migration. We do not hesitate to take the initiative to prevent this," President Erdogan told journalists on the presidential plane flying home from his tour to three Gulf nations this week.

On Monday, the head of the Ukrainian Grain Association Mykola Gorbachev said that the Turkish navy could help transport grain from Ukraine without Russian involvement.

Erdogan expressed confidence that "issue in detail" with Russian President Vladimir Putin "ensure the continuation of this humanitarian movement".

Turkish President also denied claims that Turkey's role as a mediator between Moscow and Ukraine has diminished.

"On the contrary, we are currently maintaining our relations with Russia. Both Foreign Minister Hakan (Fidan) and (National Intelligence Organization) MIT head Ibrahim (Kalin) continue their negotiations," Erdogan told reporters.

As Ukrinform reported, on July 17, Moscow announced the termination of the agreement with Turkey and the UN on the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

In May 2023, the European Commission banned imports of wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania at the insistence of these countries. On June 5, the ban was extended until September 15, 2023.

On July 19, the ministers of agriculture of these countries issued a joint statement demanding the extension of the ban until the end of the year.