Mohamed Bin Zayed hails Erdogan for Russia-Ukraine grain deal efforts

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday made a phone call to the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

During the conversation, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed welcomed the agreement signed in Istanbul between Ukraine, Russia, and Türkiye with the participation of the United Nations, to provide safe passage for grain exports through the Black Sea to global markets.

Sheikh Mohamed emphasised that the Istanbul Agreement is a major stride in the right direction, and said that he looks forward to its prompt implementation, as it would help avoid a global food crisis.

Oleksandr Kubrakov and Hulusi Akar shake hands next to Antonio Guterres and Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a signing ceremony in Istanbul. Reuters

The UAE President also hailed Erdogan's efforts and initiatives that contributed to the signing of the agreement on Friday, which will help facilitate the export of Ukrainian grain to world markets and ensure safe passage.

He also commended the Turkish diplomatic efforts to reach this agreement, stressing the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic and political means to avoid the repercussions that conflicts have on civilians, infrastructure and the international order.

Sheikh Mohamed underscored the UAE's keenness on supporting efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing security, and promoting peace and stability, to which all peoples of the world aspire.

The UAE President and the President of Türkiye also discussed bilateral relations, promising prospects for cooperation, and joint work between the UAE and Turkiye in various fields to serve the interests of their countries.

The two leaders also tackled the latest regional and international issues of mutual concern and relevant developments.

Earlier, the UAE welcomed the signing of the Black Sea grain export deal, and commended the efforts made by the Republic of Türkiye and the United Nations to reach this significant agreement.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) reaffirmed that the agreement signed in Istanbul is a positive step that will contribute to enhancing global food security, by alleviating the repercussions of the grain crisis around the world.

The Ministry stressed the need to continue communication and constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis and reach a political settlement, underscoring the importance of bringing together views to promote peace and stability, at the regional and international levels.

WAM