Turkey Believes Russian-Ukraine Black Sea Grain Deal Will Be Extended

Turkey believes that a deal allowing Ukrainian grain to be exported via the Black Sea will be extended, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Sunday.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year saw Ukraine's Black Sea ports blocked.

This was blocked until a deal signed in July allowed for the safe passage of exports of critical grain supplies.

The deal was extended for 120 days in November and will renew on March 18 if no party objects.

However, Russia has already signalled it will only agree to an extension if restrictions affecting its own exports are lifted.

Akar said; "In separate talks with the Russian and Ukrainian sides, we saw that both sides are approaching this positively. We believe it will conclude positively.

"We have the opinion that the duration will be extended on March 18."

Ukraine has so far exported nearly 24 million tons of foodstuff to those in need under the deal, Akar added.

The next round of talks on extending the pact is due to be held in Geneva on Monday.