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Erdogan declares extension of Black Sea grain deal

ISTANBUL, March 18 (KUNA) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Saturday extending the grain export deal via the Black Sea, based on talks that were intensively conducted over the past period.
"As a result of our negotiations with both parties, we have ensured the extension of the agreement period expiring on March 19," Erdogan said in a statement carried by Turkish Anadolu Agency (AA) He said the deal that has provided the shipment of 25 million tons of grain to the markets across the globe with more than 800 ships, is of great importance for the stability of the global food supply.
Erdogan voiced appreciation to Russia, Ukraine and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for their efforts to extend the agreement once again.
On July 22, Tأ¼rkiye, Russia, the UN, and Ukraine signed an agreement in Istanbul to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports that were suspended after the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022.
The agreement guarantees ensuring the grain stranded on the Ukrainian Black Sea ports, east of Europe, to address the shortage of global food. (end) ta.mmj.hm