Media: Turkey announced the resumption of the Grain Initiative

The Joint Coordination Center (JCC) reports on the export of more than 29 million tons of agricultural products within the framework of the Grain Agreement.

The total volume of export of grain and other products within the framework of the initiative is 29.79 million tons. Thanks to the Grain Initiative, 3.93 million tons were exported in March, and 2.78 million tons in April (29% less). From May 1 to May 9, exports amounted to 581,000 tons, reports Interfax-Ukraine .

Also, according to the SCC, since May 1, the number of inspections has decreased significantly — on average, two or three inspections of vessels per day. Currently, there are 14 ships with about 600,000 tons of grain and other agricultural products in Ukrainian ports. Another 26 ships with 1.15 million tons of agricultural products are in Turkish waters, 62 dry cargoes are waiting to be sent to Ukrainian ports.

On Tuesday, May 9, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that Ankara will continue negotiations on the future of the grain initiative.

“We will work to ensure that the Grain Agreement continues to operate after May 18, without allowing any suspension or termination,” Akar was quoted as saying by the media.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense also confirmed that on May 10-11, Turkey, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the UN will hold negotiations on the “grain agreement”. The negotiation program includes multilateral and bilateral meetings.

It is also reported that the UN chartered ship Deniz M is heading through the maritime humanitarian corridor to the port of Odesa to load 30,000 tons of wheat to provide rubber aid to Ethiopia.