Turkey: President Erdoğan Announces Russia-Ukraine Grain Deal Extension

Turkey's President Recep Erdoğan on Saturday announced the extension of the Russia-Ukraine Black Sea grain deal.

The deal was mediated by Turkey and the United Nations, and was due to expire on Sunday.

Turkey was engaged in talks with both Russia and Ukraine to continue the agreement with conditions similar to the initial ones.

"As a result of our negotiations with both parties, we have ensured the extension of the agreement period expiring on March 19.

"This agreement, which has provided the shipment of 25 million tons of grain to the world markets with more than 800 ships to date, is of vital importance for the stability of the global food supply."

Last July, Turkey, United Nations, Russia, and Ukraine signed a deal in Istanbul to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports which were paused after the Russia-Ukraine war.

The UN claims that 25 million metric tons of grain and foodstuffs have been moved to 45 countries, helping to bring down global food prices.