2023-07-24 01:18:00
In an article published on the Kremlin website, the Russian president assures that Moscow can continue to supply cereals to African countries which are suffering the consequences of the expiry of the cereals agreement put in place in 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin guaranteed on Monday that Moscow would replace Ukrainian grain destined for Africa, following the Kremlin abandoned a crucial grain agreement for world food and as a Russia-Africa summit approached.
“I wish to reassure that our country is able to replace Ukrainian cereals on a commercial basis and without cost, especially as we expect another record harvest this year”, wrote the head of state. in an article published on the Kremlin websitetitled “Russia and Africa: Uniting Efforts for Peace, Progress and a Prosperous Future”.
“Russia will continue its vigorous efforts to ensure the distribution of grain, foodstuffs, fertilizers and other goods to Africa (…) the network of Russian embassies and trade missions in Africa will be expanded,” Vladimir Putin added, as a Russia-Africa summit is due to open Thursday in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.
African Union ‘regrets’ Russian withdrawal from grain deal
Signed in July 2022 in Istanbul and renewed twice, the cereals agreement, which made it possible to reopen Ukrainian agricultural exports by sea despite the Russian offensive, expired last week.
In one year, it has enabled nearly 33 million tonnes of cereals to leave Ukrainian ports, mainly corn and wheat, helping to stabilize world food prices and avert the risk of shortages.
Moscow has refused to extend it, complaining of insufficient grain deliveries to poor countries and impediments to its own exports of agricultural products and fertilizers.
On Tuesday, the African Union “regretted” Russia’s withdrawal from the agreement. “I urge stakeholders to resolve the issues to allow the resumption of the continued and safe passage of grain and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia to regions in need, including Africa,” AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said.
Moscow said on Friday that it understood “the concerns” of African countries, promising to continue to deliver to countries in need. Russia also said last week that it would consider ships bound for Ukraine in the Black Sea as potentially carrying military cargo.
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