United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised the ‘indispensable role” played by the food and fertiliser export deals brokered by the UN with Ukraine and Russia last year in supporting global food security. Guterres stated that the agreements, known as the Black Sea Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding, must continue to be fully implemented.
In a statement issued by his deputy spokesperson, the secretary-general reiterated “the importance of full and continued implementation” of the agreements signed last July in Istanbul, known as the Black Sea Initiative – allowing Ukrainian grain and foodstuffs safe passage to world markets – and the Memorandum of Understanding with Moscow over fertiliser exports.
The UN has been leading negotiations to ensure the continuation of the agreements, as Russia is still considering its participation beyond the deadline of July 17.
Although Russia had previously agreed to a 60-day extension, concerns have been raised about its willingness to continue due to perceived lack of benefits. A Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul with representatives from all parties administers the deal, but in recent weeks, have seen a decline in shipping movements and vessel inspections, raising uncertainties about the future of the deals.
The UN Secretary-General stressed the importance of maintaining the smooth and efficient flow of food and fertilisers from Ukraine and Russia to countries in need, emphasising the need to uphold these agreements to ensure global food security.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2023.
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