Zelensky: This is an urgent agreement | Agricultural Products | Zelensky
According to the report of Deutsche Presse-Agentur on July 21, after Russia stopped implementing the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Black Sea ports this week, Ukrainian President Zelensky and Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talked about the resumption of the agreement.
After a phone call that night, Zelensky said, "Opening up a food corridor is definitely a top priority. We must work together to prevent the global food crisis."
The agreement for the export of agricultural products from the Black Sea Port expires on the 17th. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian President, announced on the same day that Russia will no longer implement the agreement as the parts related to the Russian side have not been implemented.
In addition, according to Russian Sputnik News Agency, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Versinin said the same day that Russia would not rule out the possibility of reaching a new "food agreement" with Türkiye, and any plan to continue to supply food to the world market could be considered.
Versinin said: "Russia is willing to consider various plans to continue to supply food to the world market, including food supply and fertilizer supply plans. We have very close cooperation with Türkiye, with traditional interaction. Now we are also in contact with Turkey to communicate on how to act under the current situation."
▲ Data picture: On August 7, 2022, a grain carrier sailing from Ukraine passed the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Vercining also pointed out that there are currently no negotiations on alternative options to the food agreement. "We have clearly stated our position: we have received many commitments, let us first obtain the results of what we have discussed this year, and then we can resume our joint efforts to supply food to the international market."
According to reports, Erdogan also spoke out on the issue of the food agreement on the 21st, stating that he hopes to discuss the agreement with Russian President Putin in the near future.
Agence France Presse quoted Erdogan as saying: "If Putin will visit in August as planned," the two will discuss the issue of the food agreement face to face in Türkiye. "I believe that through detailed discussions with Mr. Putin, we will be able to ensure continuity."
According to the report, Erdogan also called on Western countries to implement Putin's expectations.
Since the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis in February last year, agricultural exports from Ukraine and Russia via Black Sea ports have been disrupted, and the global food shortage situation has become increasingly severe. Against this background, on July 22 last year, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement on the export of agricultural products with Türkiye and the United Nations, with the purpose of providing food, fertilizer and other materials to countries in need in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The agreement is valid for 120 days. The agreement was extended multiple times in November last year, March and May this year, and expired on July 17th.
The Russian side has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of parts of the agreement related to Russia, pointing out that the export of Russian crops and fertilizers is still hindered by Western sanctions, involving multiple aspects such as payment, transportation, and insurance. However, the Russian side also emphasized that once the content related to the Russian side in the agreement is implemented, the Russian side will immediately resume the implementation of the agreement.
