UN efforts to restore Ukraine’s grain exports, Russian fertilizer

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (left) and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a conference on food security at the United Nations – Photo: AFP

According to Al Jazeera radio, Guterres said he was in contact with Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, the United States and the European Union (EU) in an effort to resume Ukrainian grain shipments and restore operations. fertilizer exports from Russia.

“I hope, but there is still a long way to go. The complex security, economic and financial implications require goodwill from all parties,” Mr. Guterres told the conference. Food security at the United Nations on May 18, US time.

Meanwhile, the director of the United Nations’ World Food Program, David Beasley, called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to open Ukraine’s ports so that exports could reach “the poorest countries”.

“It is absolutely necessary that we allow these ports to open, because this is not just about Ukraine. It is also about the poorest of the poorest countries in the world, the countries that are on the move. on the brink of famine,” Mr Beasley said.

As a result, Mr. Beasley said he asked President Putin to open ports in Ukraine to help the poorest countries and prevent hunger.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged to work with allies to improve global food security as the conflict in Ukraine has dragged on for a third month.

“We will continue to work with our allies and partners to build resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food systems that improve global food security,” he said. .

In a related development, the World Bank announced it would provide $30 billion to help prevent a food security crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine.

Accordingly, the World Bank will spend 12 billion USD for new projects, and 18 billion USD for current projects related to food and nutrition.

Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of commodities such as wheat, corn, barley and sunflower oil through the Black Sea. Russia’s three-month-long military campaign in Ukraine has stalled Kiev’s exports, contributing to higher world food prices.

Higher food prices also contributed to widespread inflation as economies recover from the COVID-19 crisis. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned that higher food prices are making it harder for poor people in import-dependent countries.