The blockage of deliveries from warring Russia and Ukraine – two of the world’s biggest grain exporters – has contributed to soaring food prices, hitting the world’s poorest nations especially hard.
Last month both sides signed a landmark deal with Turkey and the United Nations aimed at relieving the global food crisis.
“The ship Razoni has left the port of Odessa bound for Lebanon,” the Turkish ministry said in a statement.
“It is expected in Istanbul on Aug 2. It will then continue its journey after it has been inspected in Istanbul,” the statement added.
Other convoys would follow, respecting the maritime corridor and the agreed formalities, it said.
The Joint Coordination Centre, the organisation overseeing the grain exports, said the Razoni is carrying “over 26,000 metric tonnes” of maize.
Tycoon killed
While the much needed grain exports will be welcomed, the war in Ukraine rages on.
Journalists witnessed intense Russian bombardment of the eastern town of Bakhmut after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called for civilians to leave the frontline Donetsk region bearing the brunt of the Kremlin’s offensive.
Authorities in Mykolaiv said on Sunday that widespread Russian bombardments overnight killed at least two civilians.
“Today, one of the most brutal shellings of Mykolaiv and the region over the entire period of the full-scale war took place. Dozens of missiles and rockets,” Zelensky said in an address.
“I want to thank every resident of Mykolaiv for their indomitability.”
Ukrainian agricultural magnate Oleksiy Vadatursky, 74, and his wife Raisa were killed when a missile struck their house, authorities said.
Vadatursky owned major grain exporter Nibulon and was previously decorated with the prestigious “Hero of Ukraine” award.
Zelensky offered condolences and paid tribute to Vadatursky in his Sunday address.
Mykolaiv – which has been attacked frequently – is the closest Ukrainian city to the southern front where Kyiv’s forces are looking to launch a major counteroffensive to recapture territory lost after Russia’s February invasion.