Erdogan discusses "grain deal" with Putin, ready to meet him for talks in Türkiye

This was emphasized by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Communications Department of the Turkish Presidential Administration.

"President Erdoğan noted that Türkiye would continue to make intensive efforts and use diplomacy to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative," the report reads.

During the call with Putin, Erdoğan said the long-term suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative does not benefit anyone, and that low-income nations that need grain will suffer the most.

"The prices of grain crops, which decreased by 23 percent while the initiative was in place, rebound by 15 percent in the last two weeks," said the Turkish leader.

He referred to the Black Sea Grain Initiative as a "bridge of peace" and emphasized that measures should be taken to prevent the escalation of tensions.

During the call, Putin's visit to Türkiye was also agreed upon.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on July 17, the Russian side sent Türkiye, Ukraine, and the UN its objections to the extension of the "grain agreement" and de facto withdrew from the deal.

The UN said that as a result of the termination of Russia's participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the threat to transportation of grain, food prices around the world are increasing, exacerbating the energy and financial crises.

Photo: AA