Grain deal parties close to its extension - Turkish defense minister

ISTANBUL. May 12 (Interfax) - Parties to the negotiations on the Black Sea Grain Initiative are close to its extension, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Friday.

"Akar said that the parties were close to coordinating an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative," the television channel TRT World reported.

The grain deal expires on May 18.