UN voices hope Ukraine grain exports deal will be extended 

Ukraine is one of the world's top wheat exporters.

UN aid chief Martin Griffiths has voiced confidence on the continued work of the Black Sea grains deal after meeting with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul.

"I am confident we will continue to improve our important work, together," he said on Twitter after meetings where he heard both sides' views on improving the export initiative. The meeting comes days ahead of the deal's renewal date on Saturday.