general secretary António Guterres said “an important step” has been taken to enable the “safe and secure export” of millions of tons of grain through the Black Sea, but stressed that no formal agreement has been signed between Russia yet. and Ukraine.
Government of Türkiye worked with the United Nations to broker a deal for weeks, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 saw a dramatic increase in the prices of grain, cooking oil, fuel and fertilizer. fertilizer, along with major supply chain problems around the world.
Need stability
Much of the grain that developing countries import comes from Ukraine, but since the invasion, the country’s Black Sea ports have been blockaded by Russia, including the vital hub of Odesa.
“In a world darkened by global crises, today, at last, we have a glimmer of hope.”, Mr. Guterres told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.
“A ray of hope eases human suffering and alleviates hunger around the world. A glimmer of hope to assist developing countries and the most vulnerable. A glimmer of hope offers a measure of much-needed stability to the global food system. “
The UN chief said that the UN was represented at the negotiations in Istanbul, by the Head of Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, and Rebeca Grynspan, the head of the United Nations Agency for Trade and Development, UNCTAD.
“Since the beginning of the war, I have emphasized the importance of having an adequate supply of Ukrainian food products and Russian food and fertilizers on the world market,” said the head of the United Nations. know.
‘A deal for the world’
“Ultimately, the goal of all parties is not just an agreement between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, but an agreement for the world.”
He thanked Türkiye for his “excellent efforts” in convening the talks and greeted all participants for their work. “to secure an agreement for our common humanity. “
“Today is an important and substantial step. One step on the road to a comprehensive agreement. We must also do more for those struggling and developing countries battered by a food, energy and financial crisis that was not created by them.”
The importance of dialogue
He reminded that the war in Ukraine is raging, but “hopeful news” from the Istanbul talks, “shows the importance of dialogue. “
In response to questions from reporters, the Secretary-General said he hoped the first meeting in Istanbul would lead to another, “very soon”, potentially next week.
Asked about the possibility of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine to end the fighting, Mr Guterres said there was still a “long road ahead”, although Wednesday’s developments were an indication extremely encouraging.
© FAO / Genya Savilov
A truck unloads corn kernels at a grain processing plant in Skvyra, Ukraine.
