The United Nations fund for agricultural development has lauded India for reviving focus on millets and exporting 1.8 million tonnes of wheat to 18 countries that faced an acute shortage of food last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine. 
 
Alvaro Lario, the president of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD), also said that India's G20 presidency has the potential to "transform" the global food systems as some of New Delhi's priority areas are in sync with that of the UN body. 
 
In an exclusive interview to PTI, Lario, a noted development finance expert, said the Indian expertise could support the agricultural and rural development in other countries in the Global South. 
 
"We also appreciate India's exports of wheat - 1.8 million tonnes - to 18 countries facing an acute shortage last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine," he said.

ALSO WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-wheat-procurement-set-to-fall-below-estimate-by-20-595569">India's wheat procurement set to fall below estimate by 20%</a> 
 
Lario was in India to attend the G20 agriculture ministers meeting. 
 
The IFAD is a specialised agency of the UN that has been focusing on financing projects in various poor and vulnerable countries to help them battle poverty, hunger and food insecurity. 
 
"India has also shown thoughtful leadership in South-South cooperation. I very much appreciate, for instance, India's focus on the revival of millets," he said. 
 
"We've seen that millets are an important crop for farmers to adapt to climate change, given that they're drought resistant, and to ensure nutrition in some of the poorest and most remote parts of the world," Lario added. 
 
The IFAD president said India can play a global role in its capacity as the G20 president to transform global food systems. 
 
"India's G20 presidency has the potential to transform food systems. A food system includes all the aspects of feeding and nourishing people: growing, harvesting, packaging, processing, transporting, marketing and consuming food," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/must-bring-in-gender-parity-in-15-years-indias-g20-sherpa-amitabh-kant-to-wion-604956">Must bring in gender parity in 15 years: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant to WION</a> 
 
"Food systems have been shaken to the core in the last few years --cumulative shocks have reversed years of progress and exposed their weaknesses," he added. 
 
The COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine and climate change have severely impacted the global food security that has triggered a food crisis in the African countries. 
 
India has been strongly flagging the consequences of the Ukraine conflict on food, energy and fertilisers which have impacted the Global South or the developing countries 
 
"The war in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis. It has led to increasing food and fuel prices globally, which in turn is impacting the world's most vulnerable people," Lario said. 
 
"In addition to limiting the provision of grains, it is limiting affordable access to energy and fertilisers. This has been catastrophic for the ability of small-scale farmers - who grow at least one-third of the world's food -to keep producing food and also their ability to access markets," he said. 
 
Ukraine has been a major global supplier of wheat and the Russian invasion of the country resulted in a global food crisis as the supplies were badly hit.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-considers-barter-trade-with-crisis-hit-egypt-in-credit-line-talks-605516">India considers barter trade with crisis-hit Egypt in credit line talks</a> 
 
Lario said the "ripple effects" of the war in Ukraine, compounded with other ongoing crises, are a reminder that there is a need to invest heavily in medium to long-term development to avoid being caught again in a similar "costly crisis". 
 
"The key areas identified by the Indian G20 presidency for food systems transformation - ensuring global food security and nutrition; promoting climate-smart agriculture; building inclusive and pro-poor value chains; and using digital technology to create smart solutions -- are the same areas IFAD is concerned about," he said. 
 
Lario also complimented India's overall success in becoming a food surplus country from a food deficit one. 
 
"India has long been an important partner for IFAD -- it is a founding member, and our largest borrower, and also one of our top 15 donors. The impressive progress India has made, going from a food deficit to a food surplus country, can clearly serve as an example for countries facing similar issues," he said. 
 
The IFAD president said at New Delhi's invitation, IFAD has supported India to strengthen its focus and share its experience on local production systems and building markets and resilience. 
 
"It is estimated that we need between USD 300 billion to USD 350 billion per year to revamp food systems. This is not even 3 per cent of the money wasted through the inefficiencies of the current global food systems each year," Lario said. 
 
"It is less than 0.5 per cent of the global GDP. The IFAD's expertise and long-standing partnership with governments can help make public investment more efficient, and food systems more attractive to private investors," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-grain-deal-extended-for-two-more-months-turkey-593357">Ukraine grain deal extended for two more months, Russia slams ‘distortions’ in implementation</a> 
 
The IFAD president also noted that small-scale farmers produce up to 70 per cent of the food consumed in low and middle-income countries and they often bear the brunt of climate change and other natural disasters. 
 
"We need climate finance both to mitigate emissions and to help economies adapt to the change. The current pace of action is not enough to meet global commitments under the Paris Agreement. 
 
"Between 2017 and 2018, small-scale producers received only USD 10 billion, or 1.7 per cent of climate finance.," he added.

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The United Nations fund for agricultural development has lauded India for reviving focus on millets and exporting 1.8 million tonnes of wheat to 18 countries that faced an acute shortage of food last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine.

The United Nations fund for agricultural development has lauded India for reviving focus on millets and exporting 1.8 million tonnes of wheat to 18 countries that faced an acute shortage of food last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine. Alvaro Lario, the president of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD), also said that India's G20 presidency has the potential to "transform" the global food systems as some of New Delhi's priority areas are in sync with that of the UN body. In an exclusive interview to PTI, Lario, a noted development finance expert, said the Indian expertise could support the agricultural and rural development in other countries in the Global South. "We also appreciate India's exports of wheat - 1.8 million tonnes - to 18 countries facing an acute shortage last year in the wake of the war in Ukraine," he said. ALSO WATCH | India's wheat procurement set to fall below estimate by 20% Lario was in India to attend the G20 agriculture ministers meeting. The IFAD is a specialised agency of the UN that has been focusing on financing projects in various poor and vulnerable countries to help them battle poverty, hunger and food insecurity. "India has also shown thoughtful leadership in South-South cooperation. I very much appreciate, for instance, India's focus on the revival of millets," he said. "We've seen that millets are an important crop for farmers to adapt to climate change, given that they're drought resistant, and to ensure nutrition in some of the poorest and most remote parts of the world," Lario added. The IFAD president said India can play a global role in its capacity as the G20 president to transform global food systems. "India's G20 presidency has the potential to transform food systems. A food system includes all the aspects of feeding and nourishing people: growing, harvesting, packaging, processing, transporting, marketing and consuming food," he said. ALSO READ | Must bring in gender parity in 15 years: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant to WION "Food systems have been shaken to the core in the last few years --cumulative shocks have reversed years of progress and exposed their weaknesses," he added. The COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine and climate change have severely impacted the global food security that has triggered a food crisis in the African countries. India has been strongly flagging the consequences of the Ukraine conflict on food, energy and fertilisers which have impacted the Global South or the developing countries "The war in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis. It has led to increasing food and fuel prices globally, which in turn is impacting the world's most vulnerable people," Lario said. "In addition to limiting the provision of grains, it is limiting affordable access to energy and fertilisers. This has been catastrophic for the ability of small-scale farmers - who grow at least one-third of the world's food -to keep producing food and also their ability to access markets," he said. Ukraine has been a major global supplier of wheat and the Russian invasion of the country resulted in a global food crisis as the supplies were badly hit. ALSO READ | India considers barter trade with crisis-hit Egypt in credit line talks Lario said the "ripple effects" of the war in Ukraine, compounded with other ongoing crises, are a reminder that there is a need to invest heavily in medium to long-term development to avoid being caught again in a similar "costly crisis". "The key areas identified by the Indian G20 presidency for food systems transformation - ensuring global food security and nutrition; promoting climate-smart agriculture; building inclusive and pro-poor value chains; and using digital technology to create smart solutions -- are the same areas IFAD is concerned about," he said. Lario also complimented India's overall success in becoming a food surplus country from a food deficit one. "India has long been an important partner for IFAD -- it is a founding member, and our largest borrower, and also one of our top 15 donors. The impressive progress India has made, going from a food deficit to a food surplus country, can clearly serve as an example for countries facing similar issues," he said. The IFAD president said at New Delhi's invitation, IFAD has supported India to strengthen its focus and share its experience on local production systems and building markets and resilience. "It is estimated that we need between USD 300 billion to USD 350 billion per year to revamp food systems. This is not even 3 per cent of the money wasted through the inefficiencies of the current global food systems each year," Lario said. "It is less than 0.5 per cent of the global GDP. The IFAD's expertise and long-standing partnership with governments can help make public investment more efficient, and food systems more attractive to private investors," he said. ALSO READ | Ukraine grain deal extended for two more months, Russia slams ‘distortions’ in implementation The IFAD president also noted that small-scale farmers produce up to 70 per cent of the food consumed in low and middle-income countries and they often bear the brunt of climate change and other natural disasters. "We need climate finance both to mitigate emissions and to help economies adapt to the change. The current pace of action is not enough to meet global commitments under the Paris Agreement. "Between 2017 and 2018, small-scale producers received only USD 10 billion, or 1.7 per cent of climate finance.," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chief of UN farm fund lauds India for reviving global focus on millets, exporting wheat to 18 countries

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Bit to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports as the United Nations has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparation for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine.

UN proposes a deal for safe Black Sea grain exports

The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday.

As the preparatory work starts, the U.N. wants parallel talks to be held on widening the Black Sea deal that was agreed last July to include more Ukrainian ports and other cargoes, said the source, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Russia agreed this month to a two-month extension of the deal but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports is fulfilled.

Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to the new proposal, intended to improve operations in the Black Sea grain export corridor, but Russia has not yet responded, the source said.

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U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, asked about the Reuters report at a daily press briefing, said conversations were continuing.

"As you recall, the Secretary General had put forward some ideas to the parties to improve the facilitation of the work of the Joint Coordination Centre, to also work on the issue of ammonia export, which is part of the deal that was signed. Those conversations and contacts are continuing. But that's as much as I'll say right now," Dujarric said.

The U.N. and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Moscow and Kyiv last July to help tackle a global food crisis aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading global grain exporter.

<h2>Appeal to&nbsp;improve grain corridor</h2>

The U.N. has handed "an official appeal to the leaders of Ukraine, Turkey and Russia with a proposal for a specific mutually beneficial algorithm to radically improve" the work of the grain corridor, the source told Reuters.

"Ukraine and Turkey have confirmed their readiness to work on the algorithm proposed by the Secretary General. At the same time, as of May 30, Russia has not given its consent, despite the presence of favourable positions in the algorithm."

Ukrainian officials have said that since mid-April, Russia has "unreasonably restricted" the work of the Black Sea grain deal.

Russia has denied this and urged all parties to unblock the transit of ammonia via the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi, near the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was halted after Russia's invasion in February last year.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, accused Russia of blocking all activity at Pivdennyi, with 1.5 million tonnes of agricultural products unable to move. Other countries, he said, should take note.

"All maritime countries can now see what can threaten their ports, their coastlines if Russia gets away with blocking navigation in the Black Sea," Zelenskiy said.

"In other words, the blockade of one port in Ukraine poses extremely serious risks for different nations, particularly those with relations that Russia tries to use for speculative purposes."

Ukrainian authorities have said workers would need about 30 days to prepare the pipeline to pump ammonia again.

Ukraine's deputy renovation minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv was seeking guarantees from Moscow and the U.N. that the grain deal will work normally if Ukraine allows Russia to export ammonia via the pipeline.

A senior government source told Reuters this month that Kyiv would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit its territory for export on condition that the Black Sea grain deal is expanded to include more Ukrainian ports and a wider range of commodities.

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The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday.

The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday. As the preparatory work starts, the U.N. wants parallel talks to be held on widening the Black Sea deal that was agreed last July to include more Ukrainian ports and other cargoes, said the source, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Russia agreed this month to a two-month extension of the deal but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports is fulfilled. Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to the new proposal, intended to improve operations in the Black Sea grain export corridor, but Russia has not yet responded, the source said. ALSO READ | US announces new $300 million package for Ukraine, but opposes strikes inside Russia U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, asked about the Reuters report at a daily press briefing, said conversations were continuing. "As you recall, the Secretary General had put forward some ideas to the parties to improve the facilitation of the work of the Joint Coordination Centre, to also work on the issue of ammonia export, which is part of the deal that was signed. Those conversations and contacts are continuing. But that's as much as I'll say right now," Dujarric said. The U.N. and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Moscow and Kyiv last July to help tackle a global food crisis aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading global grain exporter. Appeal to improve grain corridor The U.N. has handed "an official appeal to the leaders of Ukraine, Turkey and Russia with a proposal for a specific mutually beneficial algorithm to radically improve" the work of the grain corridor, the source told Reuters. "Ukraine and Turkey have confirmed their readiness to work on the algorithm proposed by the Secretary General. At the same time, as of May 30, Russia has not given its consent, despite the presence of favourable positions in the algorithm." Ukrainian officials have said that since mid-April, Russia has "unreasonably restricted" the work of the Black Sea grain deal. Russia has denied this and urged all parties to unblock the transit of ammonia via the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi, near the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was halted after Russia's invasion in February last year. WATCH | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, accused Russia of blocking all activity at Pivdennyi, with 1.5 million tonnes of agricultural products unable to move. Other countries, he said, should take note. "All maritime countries can now see what can threaten their ports, their coastlines if Russia gets away with blocking navigation in the Black Sea," Zelenskiy said. "In other words, the blockade of one port in Ukraine poses extremely serious risks for different nations, particularly those with relations that Russia tries to use for speculative purposes." Ukrainian authorities have said workers would need about 30 days to prepare the pipeline to pump ammonia again. Ukraine's deputy renovation minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv was seeking guarantees from Moscow and the U.N. that the grain deal will work normally if Ukraine allows Russia to export ammonia via the pipeline. A senior government source told Reuters this month that Kyiv would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit its territory for export on condition that the Black Sea grain deal is expanded to include more Ukrainian ports and a wider range of commodities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN proposes 'mutually beneficial' deal for Black Sea grain exports

After suspending its involvement in a deal mediated by Turkey and the UN that had permitted Ukraine to resume grain exports, Russia declared on Monday that shipping through a Black Sea security corridor was "unacceptable."

"The movement of ships along the security corridor is unacceptable since the Ukrainian leadership and the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine use it to conduct military operations against the Russian Federation," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

"Under the current conditions, there can be no question of guaranteeing the security of any object in the indicated direction until the Ukrainian side accepts additional obligations not to use this route for military purposes."

However, it emphasised that Russia was just suspending its adherence to the agreement. Moscow made this announcement on Saturday following what it claimed was an attack by a Ukrainian drone on its Black Sea fleet.&nbsp;

What Russia would do if ships continued to travel the route was not stated by the ministry. Despite Moscow's weekend announcement, a record amount of 354,500 tonnes of agricultural products left Ukrainian ports as part of the grain deal on Monday, according to a representative for Odesa's military administration.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opec-raised-long-term-world-oil-demand-forecast-despite-energy-transition-530046">OPEC raised long-term world oil demand forecast despite energy transition</a>

The grain transaction was "hardly feasible, and it takes on a different character - much more risky, dangerous and unguaranteed," the Kremlin stated earlier on Monday.&nbsp;

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has charged that by backing out of the accord, Moscow is "blackmailing the world with hunger."

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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After suspending its involvement in a deal mediated by Turkey and the UN that had permitted Ukraine to resume grain exports, Russia declared on Monday that shipping through a Black Sea security corridor was "unacceptable.

After suspending its involvement in a deal mediated by Turkey and the UN that had permitted Ukraine to resume grain exports, Russia declared on Monday that shipping through a Black Sea security corridor was "unacceptable." "The movement of ships along the security corridor is unacceptable since the Ukrainian leadership and the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine use it to conduct military operations against the Russian Federation," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. "Under the current conditions, there can be no question of guaranteeing the security of any object in the indicated direction until the Ukrainian side accepts additional obligations not to use this route for military purposes." However, it emphasised that Russia was just suspending its adherence to the agreement. Moscow made this announcement on Saturday following what it claimed was an attack by a Ukrainian drone on its Black Sea fleet. What Russia would do if ships continued to travel the route was not stated by the ministry. Despite Moscow's weekend announcement, a record amount of 354,500 tonnes of agricultural products left Ukrainian ports as part of the grain deal on Monday, according to a representative for Odesa's military administration. Also Read: OPEC raised long-term world oil demand forecast despite energy transition The grain transaction was "hardly feasible, and it takes on a different character - much more risky, dangerous and unguaranteed," the Kremlin stated earlier on Monday. Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has charged that by backing out of the accord, Moscow is "blackmailing the world with hunger." (with inputs from agencies)

Movement of ships in Black Sea corridor is 'unacceptable', says Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the G7 ambassadors to Ukraine gathered at the Chornomorsk port near Odessa in a show of unity following an agreement to allow the resumption of grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

Zelensky visits Black Sea port as Ukrainian prepares for grain exports

Russian and Ukrainian officials have signed a deal to allow grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were also present at the ceremony.

Ukraine & Russia agree to release blockaded grain exports

Russia, Ukraine and Turkiye are all set to sign a deal today (July 22) proposed by the United Nations to free up grain exports from Ukraine’s besieged Black Sea ports.

Grain export deal between Russia, Ukraine to be signed in Turkiye today

Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and thanked him for mediation to help “move forward” a deal on Ukrainian grain exports.

Putin, Erdogan discuss deal to resume Ukrainian grain exports

Turkiye said that it has managed to broker a deal with Ukraine, Russia and the UN to resume exports of Ukrainian grains after it was blocked by Russia in the wake of invasion. The move is expected to bring major relief to world economies whose grain imports were largely dependent on Kyiv.

On Wednesday, Turkiye’s defence minister Hulusi Akar said that all the parties would meet again next week to work out the modalities like joint controls for checking grains in ports and Ankara ensuring the safety of Black Sea export routes for Ukrainian grain, The Guardian reported.

He added that Turkey would also set up a coordination centre with Ukraine, Russia and the UN for grain exports.

Much of Ukrainian grains are exported through the country’s Black Sea ports. But they have been blockaded by Russia, including the crucial hub of Odesa, following the invasion.

Confirming the development, Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, on Twitter said, “Its task will be to carry out general monitoring and coordination of safe navigation in the Black Sea.”

In his daily address, Ukraine’s president Zelensky was quoted as saying, “We are indeed making significant efforts to restore the supply of food to the world market. And I am grateful to the United Nations and Turkey for their respective efforts.”

Lauding the three countries for their coordination for their efforts toward restoring grain supplies, UN Secretary-General&nbsp;António Guterres said that a “critical step forward” had been taken to allow the “safe and secure export” of millions of tonnes of grain via the Black Sea.

He, however, emphasised that no formal agreement has yet been signed between Russia and Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-casualty-of-russia-ukraine-war-esa-roscosmoss-mars-life-finding-mission-497185" hreflang="en">Another casualty of Russia-Ukraine war: ESA-ROSCOSMOS's Mars life-hunting mission</a>

“In a world darkened by global crises, today, at last, we have a ray of hope,” said Guterres, briefing correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York.

“A ray of hope to ease human suffering and alleviate hunger around the world. A ray of hope to support developing countries and the most vulnerable people.&nbsp;A ray of hope to bring a measure of much-needed stability to the global food system.”

For several weeks, the Türkiye government has been working with the UN to arrive at a deal for weeks, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which triggered the price rise of several major commodities like grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkiye said that it has managed to broker a deal with Ukraine, Russia and the UN to resume exports of Ukrainian grains after it was blocked by Russia in the wake of invasion.

Turkiye said that it has managed to broker a deal with Ukraine, Russia and the UN to resume exports of Ukrainian grains after it was blocked by Russia in the wake of invasion. The move is expected to bring major relief to world economies whose grain imports were largely dependent on Kyiv. On Wednesday, Turkiye’s defence minister Hulusi Akar said that all the parties would meet again next week to work out the modalities like joint controls for checking grains in ports and Ankara ensuring the safety of Black Sea export routes for Ukrainian grain, The Guardian reported. He added that Turkey would also set up a coordination centre with Ukraine, Russia and the UN for grain exports. Much of Ukrainian grains are exported through the country’s Black Sea ports. But they have been blockaded by Russia, including the crucial hub of Odesa, following the invasion. Confirming the development, Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, on Twitter said, “Its task will be to carry out general monitoring and coordination of safe navigation in the Black Sea.” In his daily address, Ukraine’s president Zelensky was quoted as saying, “We are indeed making significant efforts to restore the supply of food to the world market. And I am grateful to the United Nations and Turkey for their respective efforts.” Lauding the three countries for their coordination for their efforts toward restoring grain supplies, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that a “critical step forward” had been taken to allow the “safe and secure export” of millions of tonnes of grain via the Black Sea. He, however, emphasised that no formal agreement has yet been signed between Russia and Ukraine. Also read | Another casualty of Russia-Ukraine war: ESA-ROSCOSMOS's Mars life-hunting mission “In a world darkened by global crises, today, at last, we have a ray of hope,” said Guterres, briefing correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York. “A ray of hope to ease human suffering and alleviate hunger around the world. A ray of hope to support developing countries and the most vulnerable people. A ray of hope to bring a measure of much-needed stability to the global food system.” For several weeks, the Türkiye government has been working with the UN to arrive at a deal for weeks, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which triggered the price rise of several major commodities like grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkiye brokers deal with Ukraine, Russia and UN to resume grain exports

As the war in Ukraine rages on, Russia has 'weaponised' food supplies. 22 million tons of grains are trapped inside Ukraine. On Wednesday, talks were held in Istanbul to break the impasse. Did they yield any breakthrough? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Russia-Ukraine discuss grain export crisis

Over 20 million tons of grains stuck in Ukraine and Boris Johnson said Britain was willing to help Ukraine export grain again. UK has considered offering insurance to ships to move millions of tons of grain.

UK mulls ways to resume export from Ukraine's ports

US President Joe Biden said that temporary silos would be built on Ukrainian borders to unlock blocked Ukrainian grains. Grains will be then loaded onto EU freight cars and ships.

US President Joe Biden's plan to kick-start grain exports

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tueday began his two-day visit to Turkey for talks over unblocking grain export from Ukraine. Food grain exports from Ukraine are currently facing hurdles due to ongoing Russian invasion. Ukraine is often called 'breadbasket of Europe' and stalled grain exports are likely to cause a wider food crisis in the world.

Lavrov was forced to cancel a visit to Serbia on Monday after several of its neighbours prevented his plane from passing through their airspace.&nbsp;

Following the request of United Nations, Turkey has agreed to provide services to escort maritime convoys from ports of Ukraine. There are mines in the waterways. Some of them have been detected near the Turkish coast.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergeo Lavrov is accompanied by a military delegation and he is due to meet his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday.

This is Lavrov's second Turkey visit. On March 10, he met Cavusoglu and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Negotiations will mainly circle around opening of a security corridor in order to ship grains from Ukraine.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-walks-out-of-security-council-meeting-after-eu-blames-kremlin-for-looming-food-crisis-485958">Russia walks out of Security Council meeting after EU blames Kremlin for looming food crisis</a>

An agreement between Ankara and Kyiv was hinted by Turkish Agriculture Minister Vahit Kirisci, said local media.

"But they (Ukrainians) have a dilemma about security and export. They want us to be the arbitrator here as Turkey. Negotiations continue under the auspices of the UN," he was quoted as saying.

"Both Russia and Ukraine trust us."

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement it "appreciates Turkey's efforts aimed at unblocking Ukrainian ports" but added that "for the moment there is no agreement on this point between Ukraine, Turkey and Russia."

"Decisions must be taken with the participation of all parties concerned", the ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tueday began his two-day visit to Turkey for talks over unblocking grain export from Ukraine. Food grain exports from Ukraine are currently facing hurdles due to ongoing Russian invasion.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tueday began his two-day visit to Turkey for talks over unblocking grain export from Ukraine. Food grain exports from Ukraine are currently facing hurdles due to ongoing Russian invasion. Ukraine is often called 'breadbasket of Europe' and stalled grain exports are likely to cause a wider food crisis in the world. Lavrov was forced to cancel a visit to Serbia on Monday after several of its neighbours prevented his plane from passing through their airspace. Following the request of United Nations, Turkey has agreed to provide services to escort maritime convoys from ports of Ukraine. There are mines in the waterways. Some of them have been detected near the Turkish coast. Russian Foreign Minister Sergeo Lavrov is accompanied by a military delegation and he is due to meet his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday. This is Lavrov's second Turkey visit. On March 10, he met Cavusoglu and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Negotiations will mainly circle around opening of a security corridor in order to ship grains from Ukraine. Also Read | Russia walks out of Security Council meeting after EU blames Kremlin for looming food crisis An agreement between Ankara and Kyiv was hinted by Turkish Agriculture Minister Vahit Kirisci, said local media. "But they (Ukrainians) have a dilemma about security and export. They want us to be the arbitrator here as Turkey. Negotiations continue under the auspices of the UN," he was quoted as saying. "Both Russia and Ukraine trust us." The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement it "appreciates Turkey's efforts aimed at unblocking Ukrainian ports" but added that "for the moment there is no agreement on this point between Ukraine, Turkey and Russia." "Decisions must be taken with the participation of all parties concerned", the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian foreign minister visits Turkey to discuss Ukraine grain exports

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