According to the Defense Minister of Turkey, the country is backing the extension of the Black Sea grain deal and is pushing for Ukraine to be included in the initiative.
Turkish Defense Minister, Hulusi Akar, expressed his hope that the Black Sea grain deal will be extended beyond its expiration date of March 18. He stated that both Russia and Ukraine have shown a positive attitude towards the extension.
Both sides (Russia and Ukraine) have a positive attitude and we believe that it will be extended.
Hulusi Akar
As Anadolu Agency reports, the minister also highlighted Turkey’s efforts in facilitating the deal, which has delivered nearly 24 million tons of grain to those in need. The landmark Istanbul deal, which resumed grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports after they were paused due to the Russo-Ukrainian war, was signed by Turkey, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine in July 2022. Thanks to Turkish efforts, the deal was previously extended for another 120 days starting on Nov. 19.