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Turkey may become global hub thanks to grain crisis, says expert

With regards to delivering energy products to Europe, Cihat Yayci thinks that Turkey should aspire to transform from a transit into a supplier country

ANKARA, October 31. /TASS/. The situation around the grain deal following Russia’s suspension of the agreement boosts Turkey’s chances of becoming an international grain and energy hub, said retired Rear Admiral and author of Turkey’s strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean known as the "Blue Homeland" Cihat Yayci.

"With Russia suspending its participation in implementing the Istanbul grain agreements, it should be recognized that talks between the conflicting sides are now possible only after a peace treaty is concluded. It is hardly likely that the negotiations to discuss other issues, including grain, can be set up before that," he told the TV100 channel on Monday.

In his opinion, Turkey, which is attempting to mediate the Ukrainian crisis and will likely continue doing so, today got a "historic chance." "By purchasing these products from Russia and Ukraine, the world’s largest grain and sunflower oil producers, Turkey may deliver them to global markets on its own. Turkey’s geopolitical and geoeconomic position enables it, like no other country, to count on becoming an international grain and gas hub," the expert noted.

With regards to delivering energy products to Europe, Yayci thinks that Turkey should aspire to transform from a transit into a supplier country. "From a transit state, we should become a state that sells gas to Europe and global markets," he stressed.

On Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that due to the October 29 terror attack "committed by the Kiev regime with the participation of British specialists" against the Black Sea Fleet ships and civilian vessels employed to safeguard the security of the grain corridor "Russia is suspending its participation in the agreements on the exports of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports."

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