Grain corridor message from the USA

The US announced that they will continue to support the efforts of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the United Nations (UN) regarding the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby answered questions from reporters at the Foreign Press Center affiliated with the US Department of State. Regarding Russia’s statements that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which is expected to expire on July 18, will not be extended, Kirby said, “The entire world has benefited from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. We are grateful to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his leadership in continuing this initiative.” Kirby stated that they are also grateful to the UN for its role in the agreement, and emphasized that the Black Sea Grain Initiative benefits the entire world, especially countries suffering from food insecurity caused by the Ukraine-Russia War. Noting that it would be "unfortunate" for Russia to signal that it would not extend the agreement, Kirby emphasized that they hoped the agreement would be extended and that they would continue to support the UN and President Erdoğan's efforts in this regard as necessary.