Not only free but also free shipping! Putin donates food and receives applause from Africa | Russia | Putin
According to TASS, Russian President Putin announced on July 27th that Russia will provide 25000 to 50000 tons of grain free of charge to six African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Eritrea.
Putin said at the plenary session of the Second Russia Africa Summit and Economic and Cultural Forum, "Specifically, we are prepared to donate 25000 to 50000 tons of food to Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and Zimbabwe in the next few months, and in the next three to four months, respectively. We will also transport these grains free of charge."
The report stated that the attendees applauded Putin's suggestion.
Putin also stated that Western countries are hindering Russia's supply of food to African countries, but instead blaming Russia.
He said, "There is now an incredible situation. On the one hand, Western countries are obstructing our food and fertilizer supplies. On the other hand, they hypocritically accuse us of causing the current crisis in the world food market." He emphasized that this Western position is "particularly evident" in the implementation process of the Black Sea food export agreement.
Putin stated that the West has also set obstacles for Russia to donate fertilizers to African countries. He said that European ports seized a total of 262000 tons of fertilizer intended for donation to the poorest countries in Africa. Only two batches of fertilizer were released, one was 20000 tons destined for Malawi and the other was 34000 tons destined for Kenya. "The remaining goods are still in the hands of Europeans, although this is purely humanitarian aid and should not be subject to any sanctions in principle.".
Putin stated that he does not understand why the West does not allow Russia to donate fertilizers to African countries. He said that the West's claim to help the poorest countries is completely empty talk.
Putin emphasized that Russia is a responsible food supplier and is making every effort to avoid a food crisis. He stated that Russia's share in the global wheat market is 20%, while Ukraine's share is less than 5%. Russia has the ability to replace Ukraine in supplying or donating food to the poorest countries in Africa.
