Turkish president announces extension of Black Sea grain deal

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - The Black Sea grain deal that was due to expire on Sunday has been extended, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Saturday.

"As a result of our negotiations with both parties, we have ensured the extension of the agreement period expiring on March 19," Erdogan said at a ceremony in the Canakkale province.

Erdogan thanked Russia, Ukraine and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for their efforts to extend the agreement once again.

"This agreement, which has provided the shipment of 25 million tons of grain to the world markets with more than 800 ships to date, is of vital importance for the stability of the global food supply," he added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said the deal "is extended for 120 days."

"Grateful to Antonio Guterres, President Erdogan, (Turkish National Defense) Minister Hulusi Akar and all our partners for sticking to the agreements. Due our joint efforts, 25M tons of Ukrainian grain delivered to world markets," he said on Twitter.

Last July, Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine signed a deal in Istanbul to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports which were paused after the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022.