25th March 2023 – (Moscow) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss the renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The Turkish presidency’s communications department reported that Erdogan expressed his gratitude towards Putin for Russia’s support for the extension of the initiative.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by Türkiye and the United Nations (UN), was signed by Russia and Ukraine in July last year. It aimed to establish a maritime humanitarian corridor to transport grain and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia to other countries despite the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Initially, the deal was valid for 120 days, but it has been extended twice since then.
During the phone call, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is seen as a positive step towards de-escalating tensions in the region.
The UN reports that the first two terms of the initiative resulted in the transportation of over 25 million tons of grain and foodstuffs to 45 countries. This initiative helped to stabilise the markets and bring down global food prices, benefiting people around the world.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative has had a significant impact on the global economy, particularly during times of political tension and conflict. The initiative has enabled Ukraine and Russia to continue exporting food, which has helped them maintain their economic stability despite the ongoing conflict.
The initiative has also benefited other countries by providing them with affordable food options. In addition, the transportation of food through the humanitarian corridor has ensured that people in conflict-affected areas have access to much-needed food and other essential items.
The renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a positive development, as it will continue to provide a much-needed lifeline for the people of Ukraine and Russia. The initiative will also help to maintain global food prices and stability.
It is essential that both nations continue to work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The Black Sea Grain Initiative serves as an excellent example of how nations can work together to address common challenges and find solutions that benefit everyone.