Deliveries of Ukrainian grain to world markets may begin soon

Transportation of Ukrainian grain through the Turkish straits to world markets is the most reasonable and feasible way to contribute to the elimination of the food crisis, said Ibrahim Kalin, the press secretary of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Report informs via Turkish media.

Ibrahim Kalin noted that Ankara is making every effort to prevent a global food crisis caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to him, first of all, the routes to Ukrainian ports must be cleared of mines, especially in the Odesa region.

The spokesman stressed that it is also essential to coordinate the shipping, which would be possible through a monitoring mechanism involving Turkey, the UN, Ukraine and Russia.

"Discussions on creating such a mechanism (with the center in Istanbul) continue in a generally positive manner. The Russian side did not express a negative reaction to these initiatives. The Ukrainian side also considers the proposal to be in its interests," Kalin said.

According to him, concrete steps on this issue are expected to be taken in the coming days.

He noted that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit Turkey next week.

"We hope that Lavrov's visit will pave the way for that - by signing a protocol and a memorandum. A decision will be made and deliveries will begin as soon as possible. I can say this - if, for example, we reach an agreement tomorrow, sea transportation might begin at least 3-5 weeks later. First, it is necessary to clear the waters from mines and create a corridor," the press secretary of the Turkish president said.