Turkey submits proposals to US for safe grain shipments via the Black Sea

The United States is reviewing proposals from Turkey aimed at ensuring safe navigation and restoring stable grain shipments through the Black Sea. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement on October 31 during a press conference in Atlanta following a meeting of G20 foreign ministers. According to Rubio, Ankara submitted its initiatives to Washington approximately one to two weeks earlier.

Rubio said the international community was showing growing interest in reaching a limited ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea. Several countries are willing to act as guarantors or mediators in arrangements that could reduce risks to commercial shipping and ensure uninterrupted exports of grain and energy commodities.

According to the Secretary of State, India has also put forward ideas for restoring safe grain transportation. Washington is prepared to consider such initiatives, as disruptions to Black Sea trade negatively affect global food security, particularly in African countries and other regions heavily dependent on grain imports.

Rubio stressed that an agreement on Black Sea security would not end the war between Ukraine and Russia but could help resolve specific issues affecting international trade. He declined to assess the likelihood of a new agreement, noting that discussions currently reflect the parties’ interest in exploring potential solutions.

Turkey previously played a key mediating role in facilitating Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which ended in 2023 following Russia’s withdrawal. Maritime security has once again become a major concern amid attacks on commercial vessels and port infrastructure, increasing risks for exporters and international shipping companies.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, export, grain, India, USA, Black Sea grain corridor