The agreement allowing Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea, which is set to expire on Saturday, will likely remain in place, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“I am of the opinion that it will continue. There’s no problem there,” Erdogan told a press conference at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
One of the top producers of grains worldwide, Ukraine had 20 million tonnes of grain blocked in its ports by Russia’s invasion before the United Nations and Turkey mediated the agreement in July.
Erdogan promised to speak with Vladimir Putin as soon as he arrived back in Turkey.
“Because the path to peace passes through dialogue,” he said.
Despite Western sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine, a separate agreement mediated by the UN and Turkey and signed in July permits the sale of Russian food and fertilizers.
The export of fertilizers and ammonia, according to Erdogan, “is vital.”
“The work is going on. We will discuss this with Putin,” he added.
Erdogan also addressed a query regarding a missile striking Polish soil close to the Ukrainian border. According to Erdogan, it was “important” that Russia denied any involvement.
“I have to respect the statement made by Russia … There maybe was a technical malfunction or something else. It’s essential that an investigation is launched,” he added.
Insisting on pointing the finger at Russia would be “provocation,” said Erdogan.
“There’s no need to find a third party in this war. We all need peace.”
US President Joe Biden said earlier it was “unlikely” the missile had been fired from Russia.