Erdogan says talks with Putin could lead to restoration of Black Sea grain deal, media report

Erdogan says talks with Putin could lead to restoration of Black Sea grain deal, media report

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ANKARA, July 21 (Reuters) – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said his scheduled talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead to the restoration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and called on Western countries to heed Russia’s demands, Turkish broadcasters reported on Friday.

“The termination of the Black Sea grain deal will have a range of consequences, ranging from rising global food prices to shortages in some regions and, potentially, new waves of migration,” Erdogan told reporters on a flight returning from a trip to Gulf countries and northern Cyprus.

“I think that by discussing the issue in depth with President Putin, we can ensure the continuation of this humanitarian effort,” Erdogan added.

Russia this week backed out of a deal – brokered by the United Nations and Turkey – that allowed the safe export of Ukrainian grain to the Black Sea over the past year, and revoked shipping safety guarantees. Since then, no ships have left Ukrainian ports.

Moscow says it will only renege on the deal if its demands are met for easier access of its own food and fertilizer exports to world markets. Western countries say Russia has had no trouble selling food, which is exempt from financial sanctions.

“We are aware that President Putin also has certain expectations from Western countries, and it is crucial that these countries act in this regard,” Erdogan said.

Russia on Friday pounded Ukraine’s food export facilities for the fourth straight day and practiced seizing ships in the Black Sea in an escalation in what Western leaders say is an attempt to evade sanctions by threatening a global food crisis.

Erdogan repeated earlier remarks that he hoped Putin would visit Turkey in August.

“I believe that without prolonging the process, we will ensure the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever and Ece Toksabay Editing by Daren Butler, Jason Neely, Peter Graff

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