Guterres: The United Nations will continue to promote the smooth entry of Ukrainian and Russian agricultural products into the international market. Russia | United Nations | International
UN Secretary General Guterres stated on the 17th that the UN will continue to promote the smooth entry of Ukrainian and Russian agricultural products into the international market.
Guterres said at a press conference held at the United Nations headquarters in New York that he deeply regrets Russia's announcement of suspending the implementation of the Black Sea port agricultural export agreement. Despite Russia's decision, the United Nations will continue to work to promote the smooth entry of agricultural products from Ukraine and Russia into the international market.
On the 17th, UN General Assembly President Klech issued a statement through spokesperson Kubiak expressing deep regret over Russia's withdrawal from the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Black Sea ports and calling on all parties to return to dialogue.
Earlier on the 17th, Russian President's press secretary Peskov stated that the parts of the Black Sea Port Agricultural Products Export Agreement involving Russia have not been implemented, and therefore the effectiveness of the agreement has been suspended. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zaharova said on the same day that Russia had informed Türkiye, Ukraine and the United Nations that it would not extend the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Black Sea ports.
Russia and Ukraine signed agreements with Türkiye and the United Nations on the export of agricultural products from Black Sea ports in Istanbul, Türkiye, on July 22, 2022. At the same time, Russia signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations to promote the export of Russian food and fertilizers. The initial validity period of the Black Sea Port Agricultural Products Export Agreement is 120 days. The agreement was extended multiple times in November last year, March and May this year, and expired on July 17th.