Türkiye continues negotiations to extend Black Sea grain deal for 120 days
Türkiye will negotiate an extension of the Black Sea grain deal for another 120 days, not 60 days as proposed by russia, Reuters reports.
"We started negotiations in line with the initial version of the deal. The continuation of the deal is important. We will continue our contacts (regarding its extension for) 120 days instead of two months," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said according to a statement by the defence ministry.
He added that the parties to the agreement will evaluate and decide on its further extension. Ankara hopes for a positive outcome.
On 7 March, Ukraine conducted online negotiations with its partners — the UN and Turkey — to extend the grain deal. It is due to expire on 18 March.
Ukrainian business called on the United Nations and Turkey to ensure free trade navigation in the Black Sea and to extend the grain deal for 12 months, including Mykolaiv port in the list of agreed harbours.
Since the start of the Black Sea Grain Initiative on 1 August 2022, agri-food commodities export from Ukraine has crossed 24.5 mln t.
