Russian fertilizer and agricultural products must have “unhindered” access to world markets, otherwise a global food crisis threatens next year.
That was said by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres this past weekend in Istanbul following earlier discussions in Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian and Turkish presidents Zelensky and Erdogan.
“It is important that governments and transport companies cooperate to get those Russian goods to foreign markets as well,” said Guterres during a visit to the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) in Istanbul. That office monitors grain exports across the Black Sea.
This UN-backed agreement not only guarantees Ukrainian exports, but also ensures that Russia can export its agricultural products and fertilizers despite Western sanctions. The transport of Ukrainian grains, according to him, is only the most visible part of the solution.
“The other part of this comprehensive agreement is unhindered access to world markets for Russian food and fertilizer products, which are not subject to sanctions,” said Antonio Guterres.
He pointed out that the export of Russian fertilizers and agricultural products still faces “obstacles.” Guterres did not mention specific examples, but it is known that almost all Russian exports suffer from restrictions on international payment transactions.
Since August 1, 650,000 tons have left the Ukrainian ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdenny. Ships must use a secured corridor to cross the Black Sea before receiving permission in Istanbul to sail through the Bosporus to the Mediterranean Sea.
The UN Secretary-General said his organization will work on “intensifying” Ukrainian grain exports before the start of winter.