Exports of grain and other Ukrainian food products within the framework of the historic Black Sea Grains Initiative agreement, signed by Ukraine and Russia under the auspices of the United Nations, have exceeded one million metric tons, its coordinator reported on Saturday. Amir Abdulla.
This “remarkable achievement” has been made possible through the collective efforts and hard work of the Joint Coordination Center, he said, referring to the Istanbul-based mechanism that monitors vessel movements to ensure their compliance with the Initiative.
The Center brings together representatives of Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the UN, which are the signatories of the historic agreement.
An important initiative
Operations to export the gran began on August 1, and the Center has already allowed dozens of voyages across the Black Sea. On Saturday, the teams carried out the 100th inspection aboard authorized cargo ships.
Own General secretary UN chief António Guterres oversaw the departure of two ships participating in the operation when he was in the region last week.
“As the world grapples with food insecurity and high prices, the importance of this Initiative is clear.. As a larger volume of Ukrainian agricultural production is now heading to the market by sea, confidence in the food and shipping sectors has increased, driving down prices and reducing risk,” said Abdulla.
The official recalled that although the agreement covers commercial operations for the resumption of exports, the World Food Program (WFP) has also been able to resume buying Ukrainian wheat for its humanitarian operations in countries such as Ethiopia and Yemen.
“These are all important first steps, but much more needs to be done.“Around the world, high fuel and fertilizer prices, climate change and conflict are putting immense pressure on farmers and consumers alike, and driving millions more people into poverty. poverty and hunger.”
The silos are still full
The Black Sea Grains Initiative has created some space in Ukrainian silos stocked with millions of tons of produce from previous harvests. Nevertheless, much more grain needs to be exported to make room for the new crophe added.
“Equally important and urgent is the export of fertilizers, including ammonia, under this Initiative, so that farmers around the world can continue to produce food for next year at an affordable cost,” said Abdulla, who described the million tons that have been shipped so far as just a start.
“The world cannot afford food and fertilizer to be delayed for nothing. Every shipment cleared through this route helps calm markets, boost food supply and keep farmers producing,” he added.
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