Martin Griffiths, a U.N. official, said Thursday that he hopes for significant progress to be made soon in a deal to ship Russian food and fertilizer to developing countries dealing with high food prices, reports AP News.
Griffiths shared that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently met with Lloyds, an insurance firm, to discuss insurance coverage for the shipments of Russian goods. Moscow has complained that Western sanctions have inhibited insurance, financing, and logistics for its exports.
On Wednesday, Russia agreed to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows Ukraine to export certain agricultural products through the Black Sea. This indicated that Moscow recognized the importance of helping maintain global food security, according to the report.
“Yesterday we saw great progress,” Griffiths said Thursday. “And I hope for tomorrow or the next day, we’ll see it come to a conclusion.”
Further conversations with Russia include the export of Russian ammonia through the Black Sea, a key ingredient in fertilizer, an aspect of the deal that has yet to be finalized. The talks will also focus on the current registration and inspection process for vessels shipping Ukrainian grain, as both operations have likely slowed shipments, meaning less grain has left the country. Full Story
Related: Global Food Prices Rise; Despite Food Cost Drops, Grocery Prices Remain High