Ukrainian grain deal goes in effect; joint center opens in Istanbul

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Jul 2022 18:29

The first coordination center for the exportation of Ukrainian grain opens in Turkey, Istanbul, in an effort to counter the global food crisis

Sources in Turkey announced on Wednesday the opening of a control center in Istanbul that would monitor the exportation of Ukrainian grain to resolve the global food crisis.

The ceremony for the inauguration took place at the National Defense University in the Maslak district of Istanbul in the presence of defense Minister Hulusi Akar and with the participation of Russian, Ukrainian, and U.N. officials.

As intended, the center will be staffed by civilian and military officials from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the UN, all of whom will be present on the premises.

“You should all be aware that the eyes of the entire world are on you,” told Akar, addressing the Russian and Ukrainian delegations. “You have a huge responsibility on your shoulders. It’s a historic, humanitarian and important task.”

“It is our hope that the center will make the greatest contribution possible to humanitarian needs and peace,” he added.

Both Ukraine and Russia are responsible for 30% of global grain exports. According to the UN, nearly 50 million people began to face “acute hunger” around the world due to the shortage of gains caused by the war.