The parties to the Ukrainian grain export initiative failed to reach an agreement that would allow any new ships to transport exports across the Black Sea.
Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the world body have failed to reach an agreement to allow any new ships to transport Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, U.N. Deputy U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq, said Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the world body failed to reach an agreement to allow any new ships to transport Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, noting that daily inspections of previously authorized vessels continued.
The Deputy Spokesman for the United Nations said at a press conference that we call on the parties to the Ukrainian grain export agreement to continue talks and cooperation with a view to continuing its full implementation.
On Friday, technical teams from the United Nations, Turkey, Russia and Ukraine participated in a meeting in Istanbul at the level of deputy defense ministers on the grain initiative.
"Today we attended a technical meeting held by the Turkish government, but next week we expect a high-level meeting," Haq said.
During the meeting, UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented his proposal on ways forward with a view to improving and expanding the initiative, taking into account the positions expressed by the parties to the agreement, without giving further details.
In April, Russia confirmed that it would not allow the Ukrainian grain export deal to continue, due to the failure to meet its demands to facilitate its exports of grains and fertilizers.
On July 22, 2022, Istanbul witnessed the signing of the "Safe Shipment of Grain and Food from Ukrainian Ports" document between Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations.
The agreement included securing exports of grain stranded in Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea (Eastern Europe) to address global food shortages that portend a humanitarian catastrophe.
The agreement is due to expire on May 18.