Turkey is a key country in the grain crisis
Turkey has developed a plan to evacuate Ukrainian grain, Sabah reports. If it works, then within six to eight months more than 35 million tons of cereals and sunflower oil will reach customers. At the same time, Ankara will receive a good bonus.
Hilal Kaplan
The turning point of the global crisis in the post-pandemic period was the Ukrainian conflict. Turkey is back in action, as it was at the very beginning of the crisis, because of millions of tons of grain stuck in Ukrainian ports and elevators. Turkish President Recep Erdogan conducts shuttle diplomacy in order to evacuate products. The whole world is closely following his efforts, since Erdogan is perhaps the only leader capable of maintaining favorable relations with both Ukraine and Russia.
On the other hand, a meeting of military delegations led by Turkish and Russian generals appointed as part of the Red Line diplomacy took place in Moscow. There is also an agreement to hold talks between Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and the UN. The talks held between President Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres this week should be evaluated in the same context. On the issue of the food corridor, which was also discussed at the talks between the Turkish head of state and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, statements by British officials show that the London administration also supports Turkey's efforts.
For those who do not know, we remind you that the main reason for the stuck grain reserves are sea mines laid by Ukraine in the Black Sea. In order to ensure access to the Odessa port, the issue of demining the region arose. However, Ukraine opposed this plan, citing the continuing Russian threat. Another factor aggravating the crisis is the transport blockade imposed by Russia.
Turkey has developed a grain evacuation plan. And this plan was discussed, among other things, at a meeting in Moscow. According to him, from the mined areas off the coast of Odessa, it is supposed to determine three safe corridors for grain to exit. Ukraine will control the passage of ships through the corridors, and Russia will check whether there are weapons on board for security reasons. Within the framework of this mechanism, it is expected that within six to eight months, more than 35 million tons of grain and sunflower oil will pass through the straits and enter the world. Also note that Turkey will buy products that will come out of here for 25% cheaper.
Within a few hours after the end of the meeting in Moscow, positive news began to arrive. The Turkish cargo ship, which had been waiting for several days, sailed from the Ukrainian port. The Azov Concord became the first foreign vessel to leave the Ukrainian port of Mariupol, which is under the control of the Russian army and separatists.
The NATO Leaders' Summit, which will be held in Madrid on June 28-30, will be an important event to solve all these problems. And it would not be a mistake to say that in the hope of resolving the crisis, all eyes will be on Erdogan and the Turkish delegation.
