Leaders from the G7 nations welcomed the renewed support for the Black Sea grain initiative, extending the deal between Russia and the United Nations and broadening its scope. The communique underscores continued aid to countries grappling with food insecurity, with the G7 reaffirming its commitment to assist through channels like the World Food Security Alliance and to bolster the export of agricultural products, notably from Ukraine.
The document emphasizes backing for the expansion of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and urges Russia to refrain from actions that could disrupt the global food supply. It calls for full use of the initiative to its highest capacity, ensuring steady food and fertiliser flows to world markets.
Historically, on July 22, 2022, representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations formalised a grain agreement in Istanbul. The deal arranged for Russian support in exporting grain, food, and fertilisers from Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, including the port of Odesa, to diverse international destinations.
In the Istanbul process, a memorandum was signed between the Russian Federation and the United Nations, outlining duties for expanding access to Russian agricultural products and fertilisers on global markets. This framework aimed to reduce trade barriers and maintain supply chains critical to global food security.
Officials from Russia noted that limitations on exporting Russian grain under the grain agreement had not yet been lifted. The ongoing discussions focus on clarifying these restrictions and aligning them with the broader objectives of stabilising global food supplies and supporting allied economies that rely on these trade routes.