Istanbul
Guterres ‘impressed’ by grain deal
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reviews the Grains Agreement. Stock image photo
© Kostiantyn Liberov/AP/dpa
Ukrainian grain was stuck in Black Sea ports for months because of the Russian war. According to the agreement, it can now be exported via Turkey. Guterres is happy.
During a visit to Istanbul, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the work involved in opening the secure corridor for grain from Ukraine attacked by Russia. “What an impressive and inspiring operation,” Guterres said during a speech at the control center set up specifically for the grain deal on Saturday.
But exporting Ukrainian grain is only part of the solution. According to Guterres, Russian food and fertilizers must also be given unhindered access to global markets. “Without fertilizer in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023.”
Agricultural exports via the Ukrainian Black Sea ports had recently been blocked for months because of the Russian war of aggression. War opponents Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement separately with Turkey on July 22, through UN mediation, to allow grain exports from Ukraine from three ports. As part of the agreement, the UN and Russia also signed a separate memorandum of understanding. According to UN information, this provides for the promotion of the export of Russian food and fertilizers.