Russia and Ukraine, with the mediation of Turkey and the UN, formalized this Friday in Istanbul an agreement that unblocks the export of grain from Ukrainian ports. Thanks to the creation of safe corridors in the Black Sea, Kyiv will be able to put on the world market more than 20 million tons stuck in its silos.
The understanding reached also allows Russian grain and fertilizers to be placed on the market. The lack of grain, the United Nations previously warned, can cause an unprecedented food crisis and famine in the most vulnerable countries.
The agreement has been formalized with two documents, since it has not been possible for Russians and Ukrainians to put their signatures next to each other. One has been signed by the Russian Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigú, and his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar, under the testimony of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres.
The other document was signed together with the Turkish representative by the Minister of Infrastructures of Ukraine, Alexander Kubrakov.
Guterres welcomed the agreement reached. "It's a great relief to the world, which needs it more than ever," he said. According to the Portuguese, "it will bring relief and stabilize the prices" of food.
"The beacon of hope in the Black Sea shines today, thanks to the collective efforts of so many in these difficult and turbulent times for the region and our planet. Let that beacon lead the way to alleviate human suffering and secure peace." said the secretary general.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has acted as a mediator to unblock one of the most dire consequences for the world of the current armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In his speech, he stressed that what was signed removes the "danger of hunger for billions of people in the Middle East and Africa." And he expressed his hope that the understanding in this case will extend to the entire conflict and help achieve peace. "The war will come to an end at the negotiating table. The end of this conflict will benefit all of humanity," Erdogan said, noting that he will continue to make efforts, "as good neighbors, until peace is negotiated."
