Turkey and Ukraine have indicated that an agreement with Russia to ensure Ukrainian grain exports are granted safe passage in the Black Sea has been extended, reports NPR.
Ukraine and Turkey believe the extension will last 120 days, but a spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry told Tass, a Russian news agency, that the deal has been extended by 60 days.
The agreement was originally brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July to mitigate the potential for a global food crisis. The deal was extended in November for a 120-day duration and expired on Saturday.
"As a result of our talks with the two sides, we have secured an extension to the deal," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
The deal allows Ukraine to ship grain, fertilizer, and related foodstuffs through three Black Sea ports. Ukraine is one of the world’s most important suppliers of grain, which put pressure on the need for an agreement to be reached. Full Story
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