Ukrainian, Turkish agriculture ministers discuss future of Black Sea Grain Initiative

MOSCOW. July 7 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Nikolai Solsky and Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli have discussed agrarian cooperation by phone.

"The sides discussed further agrarian cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey, the importance of the grain corridor in the Black Sea and the need for its continued operation," Ukrainian media quoted a statement by the Ukrainian Agriculture Policy and Food Ministry on Thursday.

"The Black Sea Grain Initiative is the most practical and successful example of our diplomatic settlement efforts. Our country has played the leading, key role in the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the provision of its continuity despite every problem. Our president has personally done everything for the sound implementation of this initiative and the prevention of a global food crisis," Ukrainian media quoted Yumakli as saying on the Turkish ministry's website.

The grain corridor helped stabilize grain prices, which had peaked in global markets, and nearly 33 million tonnes of grain were delivered to people in need in many countries, he said.

Yumakli assured the Ukrainian colleague that Turkey would continue to promote an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative under personal supervision of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Moscow, however, has repeatedly expressed doubt about the expediency of further work of the grain corridor, considering that the Russian part of the deal has yet to be fulfilled.