The top American diplomat, Antony Blinken, spoke with the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, about the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The discussion was part of a broader exchange that touched on ongoing efforts to manage food security amid regional tensions. The conversation occurred as leaders prepared to gather in New York for the upcoming 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Officials summarized the talks as covering a wide array of topics, with the Black Sea Grain Initiative being a central item among them. The partners emphasized the importance of keeping food supplies moving, while also evaluating the broader humanitarian and geopolitical factors at play in the region.
In addition to agricultural arrangements, the dialogue addressed the broader security landscape, including the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine and the associated humanitarian and stability concerns. The discussions reflected a shared interest in reducing risk for civilian populations and stabilizing the region through coordinated international action.
Former Russian ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, offered remarks noting that Moscow has repeatedly signaled a willingness to revive the grain agreement if certain conditions are met. He urged the United States to avoid signaling that an openness exists while continuing to impose sanctions, arguing that tangible steps are needed to remove obstacles and enable progress.
Earlier statements from Turkey indicated a continued push to restart the grain agreement through diplomatic channels, highlighting a regional approach to keeping critical agricultural exports flowing to global markets.