Russia says ready to meet with UN, Turkey, Ukraine to mull grain

ANKARA, Jun 8 (PRIME) -- Russia is ready to meet with the U.N., Turkey, and Ukraine in Istanbul to discuss exports of Ukrainian grain, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday in a news conference following a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.

“Regarding the additional meetings in Istanbul, we are ready for these meetings. We appreciate the U.N. interest to entering the discussion and marking their presence. But it will add nothing apart from some symbolism, frankly speaking,” he said.

Moscow respects Ankara’s efforts in transportation of grain from Ukraine, and the military personnel of Russia and Turkey are already discussing details of mine ñlearance of the Ukrainian ports.

“There were no obstacles from our side that would block solutions of this small problem. If Kyiv is ready, we will be happy to cooperate,” he said.

Now, Moscow will look into how the preliminary agreements on the Ukrainian grain problem will be implemented. The main problem is that Kyiv vehemently denied any mine clearance in its ports. If they change their stance, Moscow will not create any obstacles and will be ready to ensure the security of ships leaving the ports, he said.

Cavusoglu said that Ankara considered the U.N. plan for solution of the Ukrainian grain problem acceptable.

“The U.N. mechanism is acceptable, Turkey is ready to participate in the process. If all the parties agree, we are ready to hold the meeting in Istanbul,” he said.

Lavrov also said that the switch of trade between Russia and Turkey into national currencies was at an advanced stage, and that Moscow and Ankara were also discussing prospects of acceptance of Russia’s Mir payment cards in Turkey, which should raise tourist traffic to the pre-pandemic level.

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