THE Russia and the Turkey agreed during the talks they had today in Ankara that the obstacles must be removed in order to ensure freer exports of Russian fertilizers and grains and to make it possible to extend it beyond the next month agreement brokered by the UN and ensuring the transport of Ukrainian grain through Black Sea.

THE Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that he and Turkish counterpart of Mevlut Cavusoglu they discussed the “failure” to implement the terms of the Black Sea Grain Agreement.

He also said Russia could work out of the deal if Western countries maintain what he described as barriers to agricultural exports, which he said were getting tougher.

The agreement, reached last July, ensures the safe passage of grain and other products through Ukrainian ports despite the Russian naval blockade. Last month, Russia said it would extend the deal for another 60 days, although the UN, Ukraine and Turkey are pushing for an extension for another 120.

Next to Lavrov, Cavusoglu stated at the joint press conference that Turkey is committed to extending the agreement beyond mid-May.

“We attach importance to the continuation of the agreement … not only for Russian and Ukrainian grain and fertilizer exports, but also to stop the global food crisis,” Cavusoglu said.

“We also agree that obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertilizers should be removed. Issues need to be addressed in order for the grain deal to be extended further,” he said.

Lavrov said the two foreign ministers discussed the grain deal, the possible creation of a natural gas hub in Turkeythe conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.

Although Russian food and fertilizer exports are not subject to sweeping Western sanctions, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance are a hindrance.

Lavrov said Russian grain and fertilizer exports were affected by a lack of access to insurance and the SWIFT interbank system.