Istanbul [Turkey], May 4: Turkey plans to host a meeting with Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul later this week to discuss extending a deal to let Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, Turkish Defence Minister HulusiAkar said. The deputy defence ministers of the three countries are expected in Istanbul on Friday, Akar was quoted as saying by state news agency Anadolu.
Both Ukraine and Russia "lean towards" extending the grain exports, Akar said. "We hope that the grain deal will continue without any disruptions," Akar said, saying it is critical to avoid a "global food crisis." Akar's remarks come after the Kremlin said last week that an extension is unlikely, citing problems in exporting Russian fertilizer due to Western sanctions, among other issues. The deal came about last summer when the UN and Turkey brokered an end to the Russian blockade in the Black Sea. It was extended in mid-March following last-minute talks, but no confirmation of how long it would be extended.(DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune