Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement between the two countries this Friday (22) to allow Kyiv to export its grain, especially wheat, despite the conflicts.
The announcement came during a press event attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres.
2 of 4 UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres signs agreement to facilitate grain exports through the Black Sea — Photo: Umit Bektas/R
UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres signs agreement to facilitate grain exports across the Black Sea — Photo: Umit Bektas/R
At the moment, Russia has taken control of most of Ukraine’s port cities and does not allow free transit in the region.
There are no details yet on the content of the agreement, but with it, developing countries in Europe and Africa (the main buyers) will be able to resume consuming products from Ukrainian soil.
3 of 4 Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attends an event announcing the agreement between Russia and Ukraine — Photo: Umit Bektas/R
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attends an event announcing the agreement between Russia and Ukraine — Photo: Umit Bektas/R
This is the first major deal signed by both sides since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. It was brokered by the UN and Turkey.
According to Ankara, this document will allow Ukrainian grain blocked by the war to leave the Black Sea and ease restrictions on the transportation of food produced by Russia.
4 out of 4 Turkish officials are checking final details before the event begins — Photo: Umit Bektas/R
Turkish officials are checking final details before the event begins — Photo: Umit Bektas/R
Ukraine reacted cautiously to the announcement.
“The Ukrainian delegation will only support solutions that ensure the security of the southern regions of Ukraine, a strong position of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Black Sea and the safe export of Ukrainian agricultural products,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko told AFP Ukrainian.
Russia on Friday said it was “very important” to allow exports of grain blocked in Ukrainian ports. “It’s a relatively modest share of Ukraine’s grain, but it’s very important that it reaches international markets,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
“Today there is a lighthouse on the Black Sea”
UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres spoke during the event and defended the importance of the agreement between all parties. According to him, the deal aims not to favor one side, but to help the world that was facing a food crisis.
Read the full speech below:
“Today there is a lighthouse on the Black Sea. The Lighthouse of Hope. The lighthouse of possibilities. The beacon of relief in a world that needs him more than ever.
Many thanks to the representatives of the Russian Federation and Ukraine. They have overcome obstacles and set aside differences to make way for an initiative that serves the common interests of all.
Promoting the wellbeing of humanity was at the heart of these conversations. The question was not what is good for one side or the other. The focus is on what matters most to the people of our world.
And let there be no doubt this is a deal for the world. It will bring relief to developing countries on the brink of bankruptcy and the most vulnerable on the brink of famine, and help stabilize global food prices.