Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı has stepped up diplomatic efforts to help minimize the impact of geopolitical risks on agriculture and food supplies, according to a report on Sunday.

Accordingly, Yumaklı has intensified agricultural diplomacy efforts at the global level and across multiple fronts in an effort to minimize the risks, the report by Anadolu Agency (AA) said.

The effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, geopolitical risks in the Middle East, and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to be felt across many areas, from agriculture and energy to food and logistics. These developments are affecting agricultural inputs globally, including fertilizers and freight costs.

In line with this, Türkiye has been taking steps through its active agricultural diplomacy in recent months to prevent disruptions to supply chains.

As part of these efforts, Yumaklı has been holding bilateral and delegation-level talks with numerous countries and groups of countries, particularly Russia, China and the Turkic republics.

Fertilizer meeting to be held on Oct. 25

In this context, talks with Russia have addressed issues including the trade of fertilizers, citrus fruits and tomatoes.

During Yumaklı's visit to Russia, steps were taken to resolve the issue concerning tomatoes waiting at the Russian border. The two sides also agreed that their respective teams would remain in communication and coordinate their efforts regarding problems related to plant health and quarantine procedures.

In bilateral talks, an agreement was reached that there would be no restrictions on fertilizer shipments to Türkiye.

Relevant institutions and companies from the two countries are scheduled to meet again in Türkiye on Oct. 25 to discuss fertilizer-related issues, according to AA.

Agricultural diplomacy with China gains momentum

China is also among the countries where agricultural diplomacy is gaining momentum. Minister Yumaklı recently hosted a Chinese delegation at the ministry.

Key topics on the agenda included the export of agricultural products such as almonds, bay leaves, poultry meat and seafood.

In his remarks, Yumaklı said that relations with China would continue in the area of food and agricultural product exports.

"I would like to emphasize here the importance of agricultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation. In particular, the transfer of technology, knowledge and experience will also continue," he stated at the time.

Visit to Uzbekistan

At the same time, the minister is also expected to travel to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, on Sept. 28-29 to attend the 5th IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition, organized by the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM).

Uzbekistan stands out as a strategically important country for flour exports, thanks to its strong milling industry and its wheat supplies from Kazakhstan. The conference is particularly significant at a time when wheat trade is being reshaped by developments in the Black Sea region and new trade routes are gaining prominence.

Yumaklı is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference.