Türkiye, the UN, Russia and Ukraine signed the “Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from Ukrainian Ports" in Istanbul on 22 July to resume exports of Ukraine's grain through the Black Sea.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres attended the signature ceremony of the “Grain Shipment Agreement" at the Dolmabahçe Palace along with Russian and Ukrainian delegations.
The document was signed by Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar on behalf of Türkiye, Defence Minister Sergey Soygu on behalf of Russia, Infrastructure Minister Aleksandr Kubrakov on behalf of Ukraine, and the UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Erdoğan said, “We are proud of being instrumental in this initiative that will play a major role in solving the global food crisis, which has occupied the world for a long time, and we expect everyone to honour their signature and act in line with their responsibilities."
In his speech, UN Secretary-General António Guterres thanked President Erdoğan for his efforts and said, "Today, there is a beacon on the Black Sea. A beacon of hope, a beacon of possibility, a beacon of relief in a world that needs it more than ever."
The agreement will enable grain to flow from the Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea where about 20 million tonnes of grain is stuck.
Under the deal, a coordination centre will be established in Istanbul to conduct joint inspections at harbour entrances and exits and to guarantee the security of sea lanes.