It was decided to extend the agreement on the Black Sea grain corridor for another 2 months. This was stated by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, quoted by TRT Haber.

 "Thanks to the leadership of Turkey, the constructive attitude of Russia and Ukraine, and the assistance of the UN, the agreement signed in Istanbul on July 22, 2022 was extended several times. The last extension was coming to an end. With the efforts of our country, the support of our Russian friends, and the contribution of our Ukrainian friends, a decision was made to extend the agreement on The Black Sea grain corridor is for another 2 months," Erdogan said.

 "I hope that this decision, which is of vital importance for the smooth operation of global food supply chains and especially for facilitating access to grain for countries that need it, will be beneficial for all parties. We will continue our efforts to ensure that the agreement continues in the next period , fulfilling all the conditions. In addition, our Russian friends have stated that they will not prevent the departure of Turkish ships in the ports of Mykolaiv and Olbia. We are grateful to them for this," the Turkish president noted.

 The agreement, brokered by the UN and Turkey last July, allows grain stuck in ports due to the Russian invasion to be safely exported across the Black Sea.

 Russia has previously declared an "impasse" over extending the deal beyond May 18, as a list of its demands for easier exports of its own grain and fertilizer had not been met.