Erdogan stresses Türkiye’s role in the grain deal, preventing famine

President Erdogan highlights water disputes as a global conflict driver and lauds Türkiye’s efforts in preventing famine through the Black Sea grain deal

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday highlighted the significant role of “disputes over water sources” in triggering conflicts worldwide.

“Many conflicts in Asia, America, northern Africa, and the Middle East stem from disputes over water sources,” Erdogan stated during a speech at an agriculture meeting organized by Turkish state-run lender Ziraat Bank in Istanbul.

He also addressed the adverse effects of climate change, noting their impact on water-related conflicts.

“Due to the adverse effects of climate change, water sources and reservoirs are becoming areas of conflict,” he added.

Regarding the Black Sea grain deal brokered by Türkiye and the U.N. between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, Erdogan emphasized its importance for people in Africa, particularly.

“If it weren’t for the Black Sea grain deal, led by Türkiye, many regions, particularly in Africa, would have suffered from famine,” he said.

Erdogan underscored that Türkiye “prevented the situation from getting worse by ensuring the passage of 33 million tons of grain through our straits,” during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Source: Newsroom