ISTANBUL: In a recent development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in extensive discussions about reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative during a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, as confirmed by the Turkish presidency.
During the conversation initiated at Zelensky's request, Erdogan emphasized Turkey's committed efforts in promoting peace. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, originally brokered by Turkey and the UN in July 2022, allowed Ukraine to export its grain and agricultural products through its Black Sea ports. However, the initiative expired on Monday following Russia's unilateral withdrawal, as reported by the international media
Initially valid for 120 days, the grain initiative received an extension until March 18, 2023, after being prolonged for an additional 120 days in mid-November 2022. Subsequently, Russia agreed to another 60-day extension on May 17.
However, the situation became more complicated when Moscow decided to suspend its participation in the agreement on July 17, stating that it would return once the Russian part of the agreement was fulfilled. This move added uncertainty to the future of the grain deal revival.
To ensure a successful outcome, it is imperative to address the perplexing challenges and uncertainties surrounding the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The unpredictability of the situation calls for strategic and innovative solutions that can accommodate the interests of all parties involved.
Erdogan and Netanyahu will meet in Turkey three days after Abbas's visit