Erdoğan says he believes Ukraine grain exports will continue
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that he believed the U.N.-brokered grain export deal between Russia and Ukraine will be extended beyond its Nov. 19 deadline, adding that Ankara is making efforts to extend it by a year. Speaking at a news conference at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, Erdogan said talks about extending the deal were ongoing, adding that the deal was important for the world.
- World
- AFP
- Published Date: 09:50 | 16 November 2022
- Modified Date: 12:28 | 16 November 2022
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Wednesday he believed a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea that is set to expire Saturday would remain in place.
"I am of the opinion that it will continue. There's no problem there," Erdoğan told a press conference at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
Ukraine is one of the world's top grain producers, and Russia's invasion of the country blocked 20 million tonnes of grain in its ports before the United Nations and Türkiye brokered the deal in July.
Erdoğan said he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as he returned to Türkiye.
"As soon as we return, we will continue the talks with Putin. Because the path to peace passes through dialogue," he said.
Erdoğan also responded to a question about a missile hitting Polish territory near the border with Ukraine.
Russia's denial that it was involved was "important", said Erdoğan.
"There maybe was a technical malfunction or something else. It's essential that an investigation is launched," he added.
Insisting on accusing Russia would be "provocation," said Erdoğan.
"There's no need to find a third party in this war. We all need peace."
US President Joe Biden said earlier it was "unlikely" the missile had been fired from Russia.