“Ray of Hope”: Ukraine War Ain’t Cramping Black Sea Grain Export Deals, Says Guterres
An “unprecedented agreement” on the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war is “a beacon of hope” in a world that desperately needs it, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the signing ceremony in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Friday.
The UN plan, which also paves the way for Russian food and fertilizer to reach global markets, will help to stabilize spiralling food prices worldwide and stave off famine, affecting millions.
Tweet URL
Russian and Ukrainian Ministers signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative, facing each other at opposite ends of the table, while the Secretary-General and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sat in the centre.
Hope and relief
“Today, there is a beacon on the Black Sea,” the UN chief said, speaking prior to the signing. “A beacon of hope – a beacon of possibility – a beacon of relief — in a world that needs it more than ever.”
Mr. Guterres thanked President Erdogan and his government for facilitating the talks that led to the deal.
He commended the Russian and Ukrainian representatives for putting aside their differences in the common interests of humanity.
“The question has not been what is good for one side or the other,” he said. “The focus has been on what matters most for the people of our world. And let there be no doubt – this is an agreement for the world.”
Ukraine is among the world’s leading grain exporters, supplying more than 45 million tonnes annually to the global market, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The Russian invasion, which began on 24 February, has sparked record food and fuel prices, as well as supply chain issues, with mountains of grain stocks stuck in silos.
In addition to stabilizing global food prices, the agreement “will bring relief for developing countries on the edge of bankruptcy and the most vulnerable people on the edge of famine,” said Mr. Guterres.
“Since the war started, I have been highlighting that there is no solution to the global food crisis without ensuring full global access to Ukraine’s food products and Russian food and fertilizer.”
Soundcloud
A long road
The initiative specifically allows for significant volumes of commercial food exports from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea – Odessa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny.
The Secretary-General also announced the establishment of a Joint Coordination Centre to monitor implementation. It will be hosted in Istanbul and will include representatives from Ukraine, Russia and Türkiye.
Inspection teams will monitor the onloading of grain at the three ports. Ukrainian pilot vessels will guide the ships through the Black Sea, which is mined, after which they will head out through the Bosphorus Strait along an agreed corridor.
Ships going into the ports also will be inspected.
Mr. Guterres acknowledged “the long road” and weeks of around-the clock negotiations leading up to the landmark agreement.
In April, the Secretary-General met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to propose a plan. The UN has been “working every day since”, he said.
Two UN Task Forces were established in parallel on the talks – one focused on the shipment of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, which was led by UN humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths, and the other on facilitating access of Russian food and fertilizers, headed by Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN trade and development body, UNCTAD.
Beacon for peace
Mr. Guterres pledged the UN’s full commitment to the agreement, and urged all sides to do the same.
“This is an unprecedented agreement between two parties engaged in bloody conflict. But that conflict continues,” he said, noting that people are dying every day as the fighting rages.
“The beacon of hope on the Black Sea is shining bright today, thanks to the collective efforts of so many. In these trying and turbulent times for the region and our globe, let that beacon guide the way towards easing human suffering and securing peace.”
‘Beacon On The Black Sea’– Un Chief Announces Breakthrough Russia- Ukraine Agreement
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
As an avid follower of global affairs, I find this development truly heartwarming. It demonstrates that amidst turmoil and conflict, diplomacy and cooperation can still prevail. Let’s hope this agreement sets a positive example for future negotiations in other regions as well.
Isn’t it remarkable that despite the conflict, an agreement for grain exports was reached? How do you think this will impact the global food market?
It truly is remarkable that amidst the conflict, such an important agreement was reached. This demonstrates the power of diplomacy and collaboration in times of crisis. As for the impact on the global food market, this agreement is a ray of hope. It will contribute to stabilizing food prices worldwide and potentially prevent famine, benefiting millions in need.
As a frequent reader of international news, I believe that this agreement signals a positive step towards stability in the region. It’s heartening to see countries coming together to address critical issues like food security amidst conflicts. I hope this cooperation sets a precedent for further diplomatic efforts in other areas of conflict.
“The agreement on Ukrainian grain exports is truly a ray of hope in the midst of war and conflict. It’s heartwarming to see nations coming together for the greater good of all. This initiative shows that humanity still has the capacity for compassion and cooperation in times of crisis.”
As an avid follower of global news, I must say that the UN Secretary-General’s comments on the Black Sea grain export agreement are truly encouraging. It’s heartwarming to see different nations coming together for the greater good, especially during such challenging times. This initiative is indeed a ray of hope in a world that often seems lost in conflict and turmoil.
Do you think the agreement on Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea will have a significant impact on global food prices?
Yes, I do believe that the agreement on Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea will indeed have a significant impact on global food prices. It’s a positive step towards stabilizing food prices worldwide and preventing famine, which is crucial in these challenging times.
In my opinion, this agreement is a ray of hope amidst the ongoing conflict, showing that cooperation is still possible even in challenging times. It is heartening to see countries come together for the greater good and work towards stabilizing global food prices. The efforts of all parties involved should be commended for putting aside differences and prioritizing the well-being of millions worldwide.
As a long-time follower of international affairs, I find this development truly inspiring. The resumption of Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea amidst the war showcases the power of diplomacy and cooperation in times of crisis. It’s heartening to see countries coming together for the greater good, setting aside their differences for the well-being of millions. Let’s hope this agreement sets a positive precedent for resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
As Emily_1987, I believe this agreement is a step in the right direction towards global stability and cooperation. It’s heartening to see nations coming together for the greater good despite their differences. Let’s hope this serves as a model for future conflicts resolution.
Today, there is a beacon on the Black Sea,” the UN chief said, speaking prior to the signing. “A beacon of hope – a beacon of possibility – a beacon of relief — in a world that needs it more than ever.”
As an experienced journalist, it’s truly heartwarming to see such important agreements being reached amidst challenging times. The unity displayed by the Russian and Ukrainian representatives is indeed a ray of hope for global stability and food security. Kudos to all involved for prioritizing humanity over politics.