Russia-Ukraine grain deal extended for another 120 days

ANKARA

A deal that allows the two warring sides, Ukraine and Russia, to export grain, fertilizers and other food products to the world markets through the Black Sea has been extended for another 120 days, the relevant parties confirmed on Nov. 17.

The deal, which was signed in Istanbul in November by Türkiye, the United Nations, Russia and Ukraine, was set to expire on Nov. 19.

“I welcome the agreement by all parties to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation of export of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine. The initiative demonstrates the importance of discreet diplomacy in finding multilateral solutions,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Twitter on Nov. 17.

He also expressed his deep appreciation to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Türkiye, saying, “Without their generosity and commitment, this initiative would never have been born. Istanbul remains the center of a remarkable diplomatic achievement.”

Another statement came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Informing that the grain deal will be prolonged for 120 days, Zelensky said, “Ukraine together with Guterres and Erdoğan made a key decision in the global fight against the food crisis.”

Erdoğan, for his part, confirmed the prolongation of the deal in a statement on Twitter.

“In accordance with the resolution reached by Türkiye, the U.N., the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the Black Sea Grain Initiative was extended for an additional 120 days beginning November 19, 2022, as a result of the quadrilateral discussions hosted by Türkiye,” he said.

With the delivery of more than 11 million tons of grains and foodstuffs to those in need via approximately 500 ships over the past four months, the significance and benefits of this agreement for the food supply and security of the world have become evident, Erdoğan added.

“I would like to thank United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President [Vladimir] Putin of Russia, and President Zelensky of Ukraine, for their willingness to prolong the agreement, and I would also like to congratulate all those who contributed to it,” he noted.