Erdogan announced intensified efforts on the grain corridor

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Ankara has intensified diplomatic efforts to resume Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea. He added that Ukraine has responded positively to these initiatives.

The Turkish leader told reporters this in New York.

Erdoğan emphasized that the safety of shipping in the Black Sea is important for Turkey and the entire region. He stated that Ankara, in its contacts with representatives of the parties, emphasizes the need to ensure the safety of commercial shipping.

According to the Turkish President, restoring security in the Black Sea should contribute to food security and prevent the further spread of the war.

“We have intensified our efforts to restore the grain corridor. We are also accelerating our diplomatic efforts to this end. I discussed this issue again with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and his response was positive,” Erdoğan said.

At the same time, the Turkish president stated that Ankara does not accept attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea, regardless of who carries them out, and called on the parties to behave responsibly.

Ukraine has previously also announced efforts to ensure the security of maritime exports. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that key issues for food exports include the security of maritime transport and the stable operation of export routes.