Negotiations about supplying Russian grain to African nations are underway with participation from Turkey and Qatar, according to a diplomatic source in Ankara reported by TASS. The dialogue is ongoing and is being coordinated through the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with an emphasis on removing procedural hurdles before any shipments can commence. The source underscored Turkey’s resolve to move forward with these deliveries.
During the talks, officials outlined a plan that envisions a steady stream of grain intended for countries in need, coupled with financial assistance arrangements supported by Qatar. The discussions were framed as a practical extension of humanitarian objectives rather than a replacement for existing agreements, and they reflect a readiness from Ankara to implement the initiative once the necessary administrative steps are cleared. The emphasis remained on delivering relief to consumers facing food shortages, with the intention to stabilize supply in the short to medium term.
On August 31, Moscow hosted meetings between Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan, where the grain proposal and its pricing structure were examined in depth. The plan includes supplying about 1 million tons of Russian grain to Turkey at a preferential rate, backed by Qatar’s financial support, and it was noted in high-level exchanges that the initiative hinges on joint coordination and timely implementation. Subsequent conversations between President Vladimir Putin and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi on September 4 reinforced a shared interest in advancing this mechanism while keeping it distinct from the previously suspended grain accord.
The foreign ministers and heads of state reaffirmed that the new arrangement is not intended to override or nullify the grain agreement that had been paused on July 17. Instead, the parties highlighted a targeted aim: to prevent imminent food shortages in vulnerable regions and to provide a bridge solution that can operate alongside the existing framework, should the necessary approvals and logistical steps be confirmed. Türkiye signaled its willingness to move ahead with the project, contingent on the removal of obstacles and the establishment of clear terms for delivery and payment.
In the broader context, the discussions reflect ongoing considerations about food security in international policy circles and illustrate how allied states are seeking pragmatic channels to ensure aid reaches those most in need. The dialogue also signals a closeness of interest among Russia, Türkiye, and Gulf partners in stabilizing grain markets while avoiding disruption to humanitarian access. The final arrangements are still subject to formal confirmation by the involved governments, with the aim of executing shipments in a timely fashion once the procedural requirements are satisfied. The most recent ships released from the Black Sea under the prior agreement marked a turning point in the timeline, underscoring the urgency driving these renewed efforts.