Russia: Lavrov in Turkey for talks on sea lanes for Ukrainian grain exports

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Turkey this afternoon to discuss the creation of sea lanes to facilitate grain exports to the Black Sea, a French agency photographer reported today.

Lavrov is scheduled to meet later today with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavuşo .lu. At the heart of the negotiations is the possibility for Ukraine, a major global producer of cereals, to export its crops that are currently blocked in its ports.

The ongoing war in Ukraine since February 24 has blocked most of Ukraine’s exports via the Black Sea, sending prices soaring and posing a serious risk of famine to countries dependent on these exports, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

At the request of the United Nations, Turkey offered to help escort sea convoys from Ukrainian ports, despite the presence of mines, some of which were located near Turkish shores, which were placed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to Turkish Agriculture Minister Vahit Kirisci, Ankara has made “an agreement with Ukraine that will deliver (at a price) 25% cheaper than the FOB”, the purchase price which includes the destination price. A gesture, according to him, to thank Turkey.

“Both Russia and Ukraine trust us,” Kiricci was quoted as saying by Turkish newspapers. “Discussions are ongoing.”

According to the Turkish minister, “Ukraine is currently protecting its mined trading ports” and fears that it will be “attacked by Russia” if it withdraws its mines.

At the same time, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar spoke by telephone with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu.

The two ministers discussed “measures that can be taken to safely transport grain, sunflower seeds and other agricultural products,” according to a statement from the Turkish Defense Ministry.

The Ukrainian press reported today that in addition to Turkey and Russia, “the United Nations and Ukraine” will take part in the talks scheduled for today in Ankara.

However, the Ukrainian embassy in Ankara today denied any contact between the Ukrainian ambassador to Ankara, Vassil Bodnar, and Lavrov.

Bodnar on Friday accused Russia of “shamelessly stealing” and exporting Ukrainian grain from Crimea (south), which was annexed by the Russian Federation in 2014, particularly to Turkey.

Turkey is considered an ally of Ukraine, to which it provides fighter drones, but is careful to maintain a neutral position vis-.-Vis Russia, on which it depends for its energy and grain supplies.

Shortly before the war, Ukraine was becoming the third largest exporter of cereals in the world, supplying half of world trade in sunflower seeds and oil. Kyiv exported 12% of the world ‘s wheat, 15% of its corn and 50% of its sunflower seeds every month.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ