The United Nations emphasized on March 26 that an agreement ensuring the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, safeguarding civilian vessels and port infrastructure, would be critical to global food security and the stability of supply chains.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted the importance of such an agreement after the United States announced separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia on March 25. These agreements aim to pause attacks in the Black Sea and on each other’s energy infrastructure. Despite the announcement, the rhetoric from both Moscow and Kyiv indicated a significant divide between the two sides.
Dujarric further explained that the United Nations has been actively engaged in addressing this issue, particularly following a letter from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey in February 2024. The letter proposed measures for “safe and free navigation in the Black Sea.”
In 2022, the United Nations, in collaboration with Turkey, brokered the Black Sea Initiative, a deal between Russia and Ukraine that allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian grain. This agreement, accompanied by a three-year memorandum of understanding, also involved UN efforts to help Russia export its food and fertilizer products to international markets.
However, Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Initiative in July 2023, citing significant obstacles to its food and fertilizer exports.
Rebeca Grynspan, the UN’s top trade official, has continued discussions with Russia regarding the implementation of the memorandum of understanding. Most recently, she met with Russian officials in Moscow on March 24.
Dujarric reiterated that the United Nations remains committed to facilitating the full implementation of the memorandum and that the Secretary-General’s support for peace efforts continues to be available.
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