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Russia, Turkey discuss grain transit from Ukraine

Wheat is pictured as a farmer harvests a field on land near Zhovtneve village, in the region of Chernigov, some 220km north of Kiev on August 11, 2009. With their expanses of arable land appearing among the most fertile in the world and endowed with an advantageous climate, Ukraine, formerly nicknamed 'granary of Europe', counts broadly on its farming sector to support in stream its economy. AFP PHOTO/GENYA SAVILOV (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)

A Turkish defense delegation was in Moscow for talks aimed at resuming grain exports from Ukraine across the Black Sea, Agence France-Presse reported, citing Russia’s defense ministry on Wednesday.

Millions of tons of wheat and other grains have been stuck in Ukrainian ports since Russia sent troops to its pro-Western neighbor, sparking concern about hunger and food prices worldwide.

“The parties discussed the safe exit of Turkish merchant ships and the export of grain from Ukrainian ports, as well as approaches to ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea,” the ministry said in a statement following the meeting on Tuesday.

Russia has repeatedly denied blocking the passage of cargo ships loaded with Ukrainian grain, instead blaming Western sanctions against Moscow for contributing to the food crisis.

Turkey — which has maintained good relations with Moscow and Kyiv — has offered to enable the passage of vessels from Ukraine based on a UN plan that would see safe corridors set up around known mines.

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