Turkish President Recep Erdogan called on Russia not to be “marginalized” in the negotiations aimed at reviving the deal for the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, BGNES reports.
“No process that marginalizes Russia in the Black Sea grain initiative will be viable,” Erdogan told reporters after the G20 summit closed in New Delhi.
He announced an upcoming meeting on the issue between representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations, without specifying an exact date and place. A grain deal brokered by the UN and Turkey, which was meant to ensure safe navigation for civilian ships through the Black Sea, collapsed after Russia pulled out in July.
Since then, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine’s port infrastructure in what Kiev says is a cynical attempt to damage its exports and undermine global food security. A Russian drone strike on Monday hit a grain export hub on the Danube River, officials said, adding that warehouses and farm equipment were damaged. Hours later, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Erdogan in Sochi in the hope that the two could restore the deal.
Erdogan said he would make a “very important” announcement on grain exports after the talks.
“I know you intend to raise the issue of the grain deal. We are open to negotiations on this issue,” Putin said in televised comments, speaking alongside Erdogan, BGNES reported.
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2023-09-10 17:48:00
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