The international deal allowing the safe exports of grain, foodstuff, and fertilisers from Ukraine has been extended.
Turkey and the United Nations have confirmed that the Black Sea Grain Initiative will continue for another four months, under the same conditions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement that the United Nations was also “fully committed” to removing obstacles that have impeded the export of food and fertiliser from Russia.
“I welcome the agreement by all parties to continue the Black Sea grain initiative,” a statement read.
Russia’s foreign ministry later confirmed the deal had been extended for 120 days.
The deals were introduced to alleviate a global food shortage that had been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. They had been due to expire on November 18th.
Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the UN negotiated the initial deal to help bring down prices of food and fertilizer and avoid a global food crisis. It was due to expire at midnight on Friday.
So far, more than 11 million tonnes of agricultural products have been exported from Ukrainian ports since July. Around 40% of the product has been shipped to developing countries.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan also thanked the parties for extending the deal through the winter.
Add Comment