UN names new Black Sea grain deal coordinator

Russia has been blockading Ukraine’s ports following its invasion on 24 February last year, and the initiative was launched by Ukraine, Turkey, Russia and the UN on 22 July to enable the resumption of exports from Ukraine of grain, foodstuffs and fertiliser – including ammonia – through a safe maritime humanitarian corridor on the Black Sea.

Dashti succeeds Amir Mahmoud Abdulla of Sudan who had served as coordinator since August, the 29 December report said. Guterres was quoted in as saying that he was grateful for Abdulla’s leadership, hard work and commitment in implementing the initiative, which was renewed for 120 days in late November.

Dashti, who retired from the Kuwaiti armed forces in 2021, has 40 years’ of experience in naval operations, leadership and management, both within Kuwait and in multinational deployments, according to the report. Since 1981, Dashti has served in various capacities ranging from principal warfare officer, executive officer, training officer and liaison officer within the Kuwaiti armed forces, including regional and international deployments.

Tags: Ukraine, coordinator, Russia, grain, Black Sea, Fertiliser, United Nations, ports, ammonia, UN, foodstuffs, Black Sea Grain Initiative