During a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Erdogan indicated that a temporary halt to the grain initiative will be detrimental to the neediest countries.

If the Black Sea Initiative does not operate for a long time, it will not benefit anyone, the poorest countries in need of grain will suffer first, Erdogan stressed.

According to the Turkish leader, grain prices rose 15% in the last two weeks after the agreement was finalized, while during its active implementation they fell by 23%.

According to him, Türkiye will make intensive efforts and take diplomatic measures to continue the initiative, calling it a bridge to peace.

ef/arm/mgt/amp