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The Secretary General of the United Nations was in Turkey monitoring the correct development of the pact to bring Ukrainian and Russian foodstuffs through the Black Sea. Two ships with oil and wheat left and others are already loaded for the next few days. “Getting more food and fertilizer from Ukraine and Russia is crucial to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers,” he said.
This Saturday, August 20, the Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres, continued his trip through Europe. After being in Lviv and Odessa, he arrived in Istanbul from Moldova – a stop that was not in his initial plan – to attend a coordination center that supervises exports and participate in a check-up.
The ships that cross the Black Sea make a technical stop on Turkish soil, where they are inspected by local, UN, Russian and Ukrainian officials in accordance with the signed pact.
On the same day that two ships left Ukrainian ports, Guterres explained that thanks to the agreement negotiated last month by the United Nations in Turkey, more than 650,000 metric tons of grains and other foods have already been exported.
The Portuguese diplomat said he was “deeply moved” after inspecting the ‘Brave Commander’ that was transporting wheat from Ukraine to Djibouti. “I feel like it’s an important moment for humanity,” he added.
In addition, he stressed that the international entity is working closely with the United States and the European Union to overcome the inconveniences that block Russian products and fertilizers – which are not under sanctions – from reaching the world market.
“There are a certain number of hurdles and difficulties that need to be overcome in relation to shipping, insurance and finances,” Guterres said of the Moscow elements. He clarified that there was “a paralyzing effect” due to the punishments imposed, although these were unrelated to food and fertilizers.
So moving to see in Istanbul the @WFP ship Brave Commander loaded with tonnes of Ukrainian wheat destined for much needed hunger relief in the Horn of Africa. I salute all those involved in this amazing humanitarian operation. pic.twitter.com/MqUuK98sCY
— Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 20, 2022
At the press conference held in the Turkish capital with Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, he assured that getting more food and fertilizer from Ukraine and Russia “is crucial to further calm the commodity markets and lower prices for consumers.” .
Before the armed conflict in Eastern Europe, Russia and Ukraine were equivalent to a third of world wheat exports.
More ships depart from Ukraine
This Saturday two ships left the port of Chornomorsk, the Turkish authorities notified, reaching 27 merchant ships since the agreements concluded in Istanbul.
The cargo ships ‘Zumrut Ana’ and ‘MV Ocean S’ set sail with 6,300 tons of sunflower oil and 25,000 tons of wheat, respectively.
On the other hand, there are seven more that are preparing for the next few days that will export a total of 66,500 tons of grain. In Chornomorsk the ships ‘Andan Toplak’, ‘Filyoz’ and ‘Maranta’ are loading; in Odessa the ‘Ganosaya’, ‘Kubrosli’ and the ‘Mohamad’; in Pivdennyi there is the tanker ‘Foyle’.
These boats are destined for different parts of Europe, such as France, Turkey and the Netherlands, but they will also arrive in Africa.
With EFE and Reuters
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