Turkey plans to host a meeting with Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul later this week to discuss the extension of a deal to let Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Wednesday.

The deputy defence ministers of the three countries were expected in Istanbul on Friday, Mr Akar was quoted as saying by state news agency Anadolu.

Mr Akar said Ukraine and Russia “lean towards’’ extending the grain exports.

“We hope that the grain deal will continue without disruptions,’’ Mr Akar said.

The minister said it was critical to avoid a global food crisis. His remarks came after the Kremlin said last week that an extension was unlikely, citing problems in exporting Russian fertiliser due to Western sanctions, among other issues.

The deal came about last summer when the UN and Turkey brokered an end to the Russian blockade in the Black Sea.

It was extended in mid-March following last-minute talks, but no confirmation of how long it would be extended.

(dpa/NAN)