The Joint Coordination Center (JCCC), which was established in Istanbul as part of the grain corridor agreement to secure export shipments from Ukraine's Black Sea ports to the global market, officially opened on Wednesday.
"The ships will be tracked here, and the work will contribute to overcoming the food crisis and reducing prices," said Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar (pictured) at the opening ceremony.
The National Defense University in Istanbul will serve as the International "Grain Desk," with a team of 20 members from all parties working in the center, monitoring inspections at harbor entrances and exits and ensuring the safety of the routes. Previously, it was announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet in August to discuss a wide range of regional and global issues.