Erdogan Seeks to Reestablish Russian Commitment to Black Sea Grain Deal

 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in Sochi, Russia, with the aim of convincing Russia to rejoin the Black Sea grain deal it terminated in July. 

The meeting follows weeks of speculation regarding the timing and location of this diplomatic encounter, with Erdogan initially stating that Putin would visit Turkey in August. 

Why Did Russia has Withdrawn from the Grain Deal?

Approximately six weeks ago, the Kremlin chose not to renew the grain agreement brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022. 

This agreement enabled the safe transport of nearly 33 million tonnes of grain and other commodities from three Ukrainian ports, despite Russia's invasion. 

Russian withdrawal was prompted by its claim that a parallel deal, designed to facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports, had not been upheld. 

Russia also expressed concerns about shipping and insurance restrictions impacting its agricultural trade, despite having set record wheat export levels in recent times.

Turkey's Role as a Mediator:

Since Russia's withdrawal from the grain initiative, Erdogan has consistently pledged to reinstate arrangements that helped prevent food crises in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. 

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Moscow on Friday, emphasizing the global significance of reviving the deal. 

Ukraine and Russia are crucial suppliers of wheat, barley, sunflower oil, and other commodities essential for developing nations. 

Turkey has maintained strong ties with Putin throughout the 18-month Ukraine conflict, becoming a significant trading partner and logistical hub for Russian overseas trade. 

However, it is worth noting that Turkey, as a NATO member, has also supported Ukraine by providing arms, engaging with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and endorsing Kyiv's bid to join the alliance. 

Russia's Conditions for Reengagement:

The Sochi summit follows discussions between the Russian and Turkish foreign ministers, during which Russia presented a list of Western actions required for the resumption of Ukraine's Black Sea exports. 

This move led to an increase in US wheat prices. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow had seen no indications that it would receive the necessary guarantees to revive the grain deal. 

Erdogan has expressed understanding for Putin's stance, suggesting that Western countries must take action in line with Putin's expectations. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also sent Lavrov "concrete proposals" aimed at facilitating Russian exports to global markets and the resumption of the Black Sea initiative. 

However, Lavrov indicated that Moscow was not satisfied with the content of the letter. 

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan described Turkey's intensive efforts to comprehend Russia's position and meet its demands as an ongoing process. 

This provides a clear overview of the key aspects and dynamics surrounding the upcoming meeting between Erdogan and Putin regarding the Black Sea grain deal.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)