Erdogan Comments on the Restoration of the 'Grain Corridor'

The President of Turkey, Tayyip Erdogan, considers the restoration of the 'grain corridor' a diplomatic success, attributing it to Ankara's balanced policy.

On October 30, Russia announced the suspension of exports of goods from Ukrainian ports following a terrorist attack on naval and civilian vessels in Sevastopol waters by Kyiv. Subsequently, Erdogan reported that an agreement had been reached regarding the restoration of the grain corridor after negotiations with Putin.

Last Wednesday, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russia would resume participation in the food deal.

“We play a key role in diplomacy thanks to our peaceful policy. The resolution of the grain crisis is a diplomatic success,” Erdogan stated while speaking at a political forum in Istanbul. He noted that this process was facilitated by “balanced relations” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The agreement signed in Istanbul on July 22, which was endorsed by representatives of Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the UN, allows for the export of grain, food products, and fertilizers from three Black Sea ports, including Odesa.

Putin pointed out in early September that the West exports most of the Ukrainian grain to its own countries rather than to needy nations in Africa. Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, noted that part of the “commodity deal” concerning the export of Russian food and fertilizers is not functioning. He warned that the termination of the contract could not be ruled out due to this issue. The contract is set to expire on November 19.