The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows for
Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, was extended for an additional
120 days beginning November 19, 2022.
“In accordance with the resolution reached by Türkiye, the UN, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine, the Black Sea Grain Initiative was extended for an additional 120 days beginning November 19, 2022, as a result of the quadrilateral discussions hosted by Türkiye,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Twitter.
“With the delivery of more than 11 million tonnes of grains and foodstuffs to those in need via approximately 500 ships over the past four months, the significance and benefits of this agreement for the food supply and security of the world have become evident,” he added.
Turkish President thanked United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President Putin of Russia, and President Zelensky of Ukraine, for their willingness to prolong the agreement.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, a UN-supported agreement between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, was signed on 22 July. It has allowed for exports of grains and related foods to resume from three Ukrainian ports which had been effectively blocked since mid-February. Russia’s temporary suspension of the initiative in October raised fears that the deal may not be renewed beyond the 18 November deadline. The termination of the deal would have a negative impact on Ukraine, international grain prices and global food security.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomes the renewal of the deal, which allows grain exports from Ukraine through a protected sea transit corridor to the rest of the world. “I welcome the agreement by all parties to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation of export of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine,” he said in a statement on Thursday. “The United Nations is fully committed to supporting the Joint Coordination Centre so that this vital supply line continues to function smoothly. The United Nations is also fully committed to removing the remaining obstacles to exporting food and fertilizers from the Russian Federation. Both agreements signed in Istanbul three months ago are essential to bring down the prices of food and fertilizer and avoid a global food crisis. The Black Sea Grain Initiative continues to demonstrate the importance of discreet diplomacy in the context of finding multilateral solutions.”