Last minute: As the war between Russia and Ukraine continued, eyes were focused on whether the grain corridor agreement would be extended. After the developments, there was a new development regarding the agreement, which Russia initially suspended and then returned to.
GRAIN CORRIDOR AGREEMENT EXTENDED
According to the statement made by the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine, the Black Sea grain shipment agreement, which will expire on November 19, will be extended for another 120 days.
ZELENSKY: EXTENDED 120 DAYS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in his post on his social media account, stated that the grain corridor agreement signed in Istanbul on July 22 will be extended for another 120 days. Zelenskiy shared, “The grain agreement will be extended for 120 days. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took an important decision in the global fight against the food crisis. An official statement is expected from Turkey and the UN.”
EXPLANATION FROM UN
United Nations Secretary-General Guterres said, “I welcome the agreement of all parties to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative, facilitating the safe course of exports of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine. “The initiative demonstrates the importance of prudent diplomacy in finding multilateral solutions.”
VON DER LEYEN: CONGRATULATIONS TO ERDOĞAN
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said in her statement, “I congratulate Antonio Guterres and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the agreement on the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The UN Black Sea Grain Initiative, together with EU Solidarity Pathways, helps prevent global food shortages and lower food prices despite Russia’s war.
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN: WHY THIS AGREEMENT IS CLEARLY IMPORTANT
Erdogan also included the following statements in his social media account regarding the 120-day extension of the agreement:
“As a result of the four-way talks hosted by Turkey, the Black Sea Grain Corridor Agreement has been extended for 120 days as of 19 November 2022, in line with the decision taken between Turkey, the United Nations, the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
“With the delivery of more than 11 million tons of grains and foodstuffs to those in need with nearly 500 ships in the last 4 months, it has been clearly seen how important and beneficial this agreement is for the food supply and security of the world.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the United Nations, Mr. Guterres, the Secretary General, Mr. Putin, and the President of Ukraine, Mr. Zelenski, for their will to extend the agreement, and I congratulate everyone who contributed. Good luck.”