Russia, UN discuss providing free grain to poor countries

Russia and the United Nations have discussed providing grain to the world's poorest countries in greatest need. (Source: AFP)

On December 16, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin discussed with Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UN Conference) Rebecca Greenspan and UN Deputy Secretary-General Martin Griffiths the free provision of Russian grain and fertilizer to the most needy countries in the world.

The meeting took place after consultations with representatives of relevant Russian agencies and companies.

In a statement on December 16, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that officials from both sides continued to exchange detailed views on the tasks of ensuring unhindered access to Russian fertilizers and food, taking into account their significant market share, in order to overcome the crisis in the field of global food security and to deal with the risk of famine.

In addition, the parties also discussed in detail the export of Russian agricultural products, which is hindered by unilateral Western sanctions, and paid attention to domestic humanitarian aid of grain and fertilizers to the world's poorest countries.

Meanwhile, Türkiye continues to work to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Speaking on December 16, Defense Minister Yasar Guler said that the country continues to work to revive the grain export agreement as well as promote an early end to the current Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In July, Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, saying the West had failed to deliver on its commitment to guarantee Russian grain and fertilizer exports. The deal, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in 2022, had allowed for the safe export of grain and other food from Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

After Russia withdrew from the agreement, Ukraine announced the establishment of a “humanitarian corridor” in the Black Sea to free cargo ships stuck in its ports.