Turkey seeking to eliminate obstacles to Russian grain, fertilizer exports - minister

ISTANBUL. Nov 8 (Interfax) - Turkey is continuing to make diplomatic efforts to eliminate obstacles to exports of Russian fertilizers and grain, the Daily Sabah reported with reference to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's remarks.

"Obstacles to Russia's grain and fertilizer exports have not been completely removed. We are looking into what steps are to be taken to meet Russia's expectations, and we are coordinating work," Cavusoglu told journalists following a government meeting in Ankara.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also working to have these obstacles eliminated, he said.

Asked whether another agreement would be necessary to ensure Russian grain exports, Cavusoglu said the current agreement, which is to expire within the next few days, would be extended unless either party objects to it, and therefore, no additional agreement would be needed.

"The Russians have some concerns that these demands [on Russian grain exports] are not met. Now, diplomacy is working to dispel these doubts," he said.