ANKARA, October 21. /TASS/. The "grain deal", which expires in November, is likely to be extended given the role it plays in global food security, a diplomatic source in Ankara told TASS on Friday. That was in response to a statement made by Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan that he sees no obstacles to extending the Istanbul agreements.
"The Istanbul Agreement has already proved its significance. It plays an important role in ensuring food security around the world, it is extremely important that in the future the main flows of food go to poor countries. The importance of the deal will undoubtedly grow with the start of deliveries of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers to needy states, but guarantees must be given to Russia that its cargoes will not fall under direct or secondary sanctions," the source said.
He recalled the recent statement of Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin who said that US national security adviser Jake Sullivan had personally assured him of such guarantees on behalf of Washington.
"The United States should tell Russia directly and the dialogue on the topic may get a boost," the source added.
Upon his return from Azerbaijan, where he had a working visit on October 20, the Turkish President told reporters that he sees no obstacles to extending the deal on grain exports via the Black Sea.
"There are no obstacles to extending the agreement. I was again convinced of this at meetings with [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky and at a meeting with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," Erdogan was quoted as saying by TRT television channel.
The Turkish leader also said that as of October 20, over 8 million metric tons of agricultural products were exported from Ukraine through the sea grain corridor. In particular, 62% of deliveries went to Europe, 19.5% to Asia, 13% were sent to Africa and 5.3% - to the countries of the Middle East.
On July 22, a package of documents on the supply of food and fertilizers to international markets was signed in Istanbul. In particular, thanks to the memorandum concluded by Russia and the UN, the global community has joined the endeavor to remove those anti-Russian restrictions that impede the export of these vital goods. Another document approved a mechanism for the export of grain from Ukraine-controlled Black Sea ports. Based on the deal between Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN, a coordination center was set up, which ensures the inspection of ships carrying grain, and also prevents the smuggling of weapons and attempts at provocations. The UN objective is to reach an export volume of 2-5 million metric tons of food per month. The grain deal expires on November 19.