There is certain progress in the discussion among Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations on unblocking Ukrainian grain exports in the Black Sea thanks thanks to stakeholders having the will to resolve the crisis, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Wednesday.
"We are aiming to achieve a result on the issue [of grain exports] as soon as possible. We are maintaining a dialogue with Russia and Ukraine, holding discussions with the UN. Certain progress has been made. There are technical issues that still remain subject to discussions: how will the [safe] corridor be functioning? who will clear the [ports of] mines? what vessels will be escorting the dry-cargo ships?" Akar was quoted as saying by the Anadolu news agency.
There is a possibility that Turkey will host a four-way summit on grain, the defence minister said.
"As the sides share the will to resolve this issue, the process is progressing," Akar said, adding that the key threat to the dialogue is lack of trust between the sides.
