UN chief, Erdogan discusses issues in recent phone call

New York, 29 April 2023 (TDI): UN chief Antonio Guterres has discussed the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The BSGI is an attempt by the UN to address the global food crisis in developing and under-developed countries worsened by the Russia-Ukraine war.

Efforts to start peace talks between Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces and the extension of the UN cross-border aid mechanism for Syria were discussed.

The Secretary-General and President discussed the issue in a phone call.

Both exchanged views on the improvement, expansion and extension of the Black Sea Grain deal and the Tolyatti-Odessa Ammonia pipeline.

Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine and the UN signed the deal last year on February 24.

The deal paved the way for the export of Ukraine’s food and fertilizer products from three Ukrainian ports.

Both Russia and Ukraine are among the largest exporters of grain and fertilizer products; thus, the Russia-Ukraine war has plunged poor countries into food insecurity.

Also Read: UN chief meets Russian Foreign Minister to Discuss BSGI

The UN chief has doubled down to save the deal after Russia expressed its concerns regarding the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with the UN Secretariat.

Russia also expressed its concerns that the deal is not benefitting the poor countries.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres and  President Erdogan noted the importance of the BSGI.

President Erdogan agreed to take part in the working group in case an agreement is reached over the ammonia pipeline.

President Erdogan stressed that Türkiye is ready to play a role in calling the warring sides to return to the peace talks as the country is capable of starting a dialogue with both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.

President Erdogan further said that his country is ready to host peace talks and cooperate with the UN to resolve the disagreements between the parties in the conflict.

President Erdogan also said that the extension of the UN cross-border aid mechanism for Syria holds immense significance.

Türkiye has considerable influence in Sudan and is part of the Astana Format alone, an initiative to reduce violence in Syria and contribute to peace and stability in the country.