Four ships laden with Moldovan corn that were stuck in Turkish ports have been given permission to leave following bilateral negotiations, the Moldovan Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry announced.

During a joint meeting, a representative of Turkey’s plant health agency confirmed the release of the Moldovan cargo. While expressing willingness to cooperate and identify solutions, the Turkish authorities reiterated the need to comply with national and international food safety standards.

The four ships carrying about 25,000 metric tons of Moldovan corn were restrained in Turkish ports over non-compliant shipping papers. In November 2021, Turkey updated its rules, and the Moldovan authorities apparently failed to take note.