8 Sep 2022 14:56

Erdogan agrees with Putin that Ukrainian grain is not shipped to poor countries

ISTANBUL. Sept 8 (Interfax) - The grain shipped from Ukraine under the Black Sea Grain Initiative goes to developed countries rather than the poor ones, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin rightly says that shipments conducted through the grain corridor do not go to the poorest countries. These shipments are destined for developed countries. Ankara hopes and calls for starting the exports of agricultural products from Russia, as well. I will discuss the issue with Putin in Samarkand," the Anadolu agency quoted Erdogan as saying at a press conference in Zagreb.

Erdogan noted that the main principle of the grain corridor from Ukraine is the assistance to poor countries amidst the global food crisis.

The UN, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine signed documents in Istanbul on July 22 to open a grain corridor from three Ukrainian ports.

Russia will insist on using the grain deal to improve the situation on global markets rather than in Europe, Putin said at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Wednesday. "We have done everything to make this agreement happen, and we are complying with it. We are providing everything. Still, it appears that we have been played again, as people say. We have been deceived. Not just us but also the poorest countries under the pretext of securing the deal," Putin said.

Putin said on Wednesday that he plans to discuss possible restrictions on the shipment of Ukrainian grain and food to Europe with his Turkish counterpart, considering that the grain is not sent to the poorest countries that need it.