Guterres' message on grain corridor

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres thanked the parties for conducting the negotiations in a positive atmosphere, saying, “I am grateful to President Erdoğan and the Turkish government, who are working in coordination with the UN, for their efforts.” United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a statement to reporters at the UN building in New York regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been extended by another 60 days. Stating that he welcomed the extension of the initiative until July 18, Guterres assessed that, “The continuation of the initiative is good news for the world.” Guterres reported that some problems regarding the initiative persist and that Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN will continue to discuss these issues. Emphasizing that he hopes for a comprehensive agreement to improve, expand and extend the initiative, Guterres thanked the parties for conducting the negotiations in a positive atmosphere. 30 million tons of grain exported UN Secretary-General Guterres said, “I am grateful to President Erdoğan and the Turkish government, who are working in coordination with the UN, for their efforts on the Black Sea Grain Initiative.” Noting that the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the memorandum of understanding between the UN and Russia is very clear, Guterres said, "These agreements are important for global food security. Ukrainian and Russian products feed the world. Thanks to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, 30 million tons of grain were exported." Guterres pointed out that it is important for food to reach those who need it most during this period when the cost of living continues to increase worldwide. Noting that the market has become more stable and global food prices have decreased by 20 percent in the last year thanks to the initiative, Guterres said, "The initiative also shows that even in the darkest hours, there is a glimmer of hope and that there can be an opportunity that can benefit everyone." As part of the ongoing shipments, the number of ships leaving Ukrainian ports as of yesterday reached 951. 40 percent of the grains passing through the corridor were carried to Europe, 30 percent to Asia, 13 percent to Turkey, 12 percent to Africa and 5 percent to the Middle East. US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said that they welcomed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s announcement that the Black Sea Grain Corridor Agreement had been extended and that they strongly supported the joint efforts of Turkey and the United Nations (UN) on this issue.