Turkey is intensifying efforts to restart the Black Sea grain agreement, a move described by Yaşar Güler, Türkiye’s Minister of National Defense. The remarks came through a Turkish television channel and highlight Ankara’s continued commitment to stabilizing regional food security amid ongoing tensions.
The defense minister underscored a hopeful outlook for a swift de-escalation of hostilities in Ukraine, while reiterating Türkiye’s resolve to broaden the Black Sea Food Initiative. He emphasized that Ankara remains actively involved in diplomatic and practical steps that support safe navigation and reliable grain exports from Black Sea ports.
Güler stated that the renewal of the Black Sea grain agreement remains a priority in Türkiye’s agenda. He noted that the framework, crafted with Türkiye’s coordination, has played a pivotal role in mitigating a global food crisis by enabling secure shipments and predictable supply chains. This testimony reflects Türkiye’s broader aim to foster regional cooperation and food stability through collaborative efforts with international partners.
The minister also pointed to Türkiye’s adherence to international maritime conventions, describing the government’s approach as responsible and impartial. He highlighted Türkiye’s role in hosting the third round of meetings for the Black Sea Mine Action Task Force late last year, an initiative aimed at reducing maritime risk and ensuring safer routes for commercial vessels in the region.
Looking ahead, January 11, 2024 was projected as a milestone date for the signing of an agreement to countermining threats in the Black Sea. The anticipated ceremony was expected to bring together defense ministers from Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Romania, signaling a regional commitment to create safer waters for trade and humanitarian shipments alike. Such steps are viewed as essential for maintaining continuous grain flow and regional stability in the face of ongoing geopolitical pressures.
It is worth noting that discussions have also involved the Russian Federation, with officials outlining conditions under which Russia might agree to participate in the grain agreement’s renewal. This dimension underscores the broader strategic landscape in which Türkiye operates, balancing security concerns with the imperative of sustaining global food supplies. The evolving conversations reflect Türkiye’s preference for multilateral dialogue and gradual confidence-building measures aimed at preserving corridor integrity for grain exports and other essential goods.