Erdogan announces Turkey’s efforts to restore the grain corridor // Erdogan: Turkey has stepped up work to resume the work of the grain corridor

Turkey has stepped up work to restore the grain corridor in the Black Sea. This was stated to journalists by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a briefing at the “Turkish House” in New York.

“To that end, we are also accelerating our diplomatic steps. I again discussed this issue with the President of Ukraine (Vladimir. – “Kommersant”) Zelensky, and the answer I received from him was positive, – said Erdogan.

Erdogan said that Turkey does not accept attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea from anyone and expects the parties to “responsible behavior”. He also said that the country opposes restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as they affect not only the countries of the region, but also Europe and Asia. The key to resolving the conflict is the resumption of negotiations.

Recently, Ankara sent Moscow and Kiev a draft memorandum on the cessation of strikes on ships in the Black Sea and is waiting for a response from the parties. AFP, citing sources, wrote that the document is based on the experience of the “grain corridor”. The safe route can run along the eastern and southern coasts of the Black Sea, including through the territorial waters of Turkey. The Russian Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the report, but pointed to a "systemic dialogue" with Turkey on maritime security issues.