G7 ministers insist on expanding the “grain deal”
The ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries insist on extending and expanding the agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea.
The ministers of agriculture of the Organization’s countries published their proposal as part of the Joint Communiqué, which was drawn up during a two-day meeting in Miyazaki (Japan).
“We (the G7 ministers – ed.) strongly support the continuation, full implementation and expansion of the Black Sea Grain Initiative,” the G7 said.
The ministers noted that Russia is manipulating the issue of grain exports to destabilize the geopolitical situation in the region. The G7 says that Russia has actually “militarized” the topic of food: “We reaffirm our commitment to act in solidarity and support those most affected by Russia’s ‘militarization’ of food,” they said.
The officials said in the communiqué that they are ready to provide expert assistance in the demining of agricultural land and the reconstruction of Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure, which are necessary for the country’s recovery and reconstruction.
As a reminder, despite the agreement to extend the so-called “grain deal” (the renewal of the agreement for another 120 days was announced on March 18, 2023), Russia has effectively stopped the export of Ukrainian grain by blocking inspections of ships in the Black Sea.
According to Oleksandr Kubrakov, Vice Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine, the enemy has been conducting subversive activities since April 10. As of April 17-18, the aggressor did not allow a single inspection in Turkey’s territorial waters. This caused concern for Turkey, as the country that mediated the signing of the “grain agreements”. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also commented on Russia’s “food terror”.
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