Türkiye sees alternative routes for grain exports from Ukraine as risky

The relevant statement was made by Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan during a joint press conference prior to his meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, an  Ukrinform correspondent reports, referring to TRT Haber.

“Unfortunately, this [Black Sea Grain Initiative] ended as of July 17. We know that alternative ways are currently being sought for grain exports. However, we also see that these ways cannot be an alternative to the original initiative and carry risks. We need to resume the process as soon as possible before the gains brought by the Black Sea Initiative are lost. This is why we will continue to hold a dialogue with all parties at all levels,” Fidan told.

In his words, resuming the operation of the ‘grain corridor’ as part of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is Türkiye’s priority task.

“Restoring this initiative is a priority for Türkiye. This initiative holds a special place in the global food security and humanitarian efforts. Our President is carrying out a very systematic work on this issue. In this regard, an uninterrupted discussion and exchange of thoughts are underway with a very large group, including Ukraine, the UN, Russia, European and some American actors,” Fidan noted.

The Turkish minister thanked the representatives of Ukraine for support regarding this issue.