Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov
©MFA Russia / Global Look Press
The extension of the “grain deal” has nothing to do with the internal political situation in Turkey. This was announced on Thursday, May 18, by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
During a press conference following talks with Ugandan Foreign Minister Jeje Odongo, Lavrov stressed that Russia had decided to extend the “grain deal” for two months, with a clear understanding that they would be decisive. “Given the whole range of circumstances, taking into account the appeals of our partners, we supported the initiative of President Erdogan, which he announced yesterday,” Lavrov said. Writes about it RIA News.
In addition, the head of Russian diplomacy pointed out that the extension of the “grain deal” had nothing to do with domestic political events in Turkey. “The deal did not initially concern, when it was proposed by (UN Secretary General – approx. “Profile”) António Guterres, Turkey or any particular country,” Lavrov said. He stressed that it concerned the declared task of ensuring the food security of the poorest countries.
As Profile.ru reported, a spokesman for the Russian president said that the “grain deal” will be extended for another two months. In addition, talks on resolving the issue of the supply of Russian ammonia after the extension of the agreement continue, he added.
Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN in the summer of 2022 signed a “grain deal” (the Black Sea grain initiative). The agreements are of a package nature and provide for the export of Ukrainian food and fertilizers from three Black Sea ports, as well as unblocking the export of agricultural products and fertilizers from the Russian Federation. In mid-November, the “grain deal” was extended for 120 days, and in March 2023 for another 60 days. The “grain deal” was due to expire today, May 18.
