RT.com
19 May 2022, 15:49 GMT+10
Antnio Guterres urges to reintegrate the sanctioned country's food produce and fertilizers into the world markets
Food products and fertilizers from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus must be allowed on the world markets if the global community wants to stem an unfolding food crisis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at a ministerial meeting on global food security on Wednesday.
"Let's be clear, there is no more effective solution to the food crisis without the reintegration of Ukrainian food production, as well as food and fertilizer produced by Russia and Belarus, into world markets," he stressed.
Earlier this month, Guterres warned that a fifth of humanity was at risk of poverty and hunger due to the current situation in the grain market, with wheat prices soaring following Western sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated that the threat of a global famine is the result of the West's "sanctions obsession."
According to Guterres, instead of being the sole reason behind the current food crisis, Russia's military operation has added to the problems that were already affecting the situation, namely climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic. Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, he stressed, are leaders in the production of fertilizers and food products, which should not be overlooked.
Guterres pointed out that Moscow should stop blocking the export of food from Ukrainian ports. At the same time, fertilizers and food products from Russia should be allowed to the world markets without obstacles, as well, he continued.
"I am in close contact on these issues with the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, as well as a number of other key countries. I am sure that there is still a long way to go," the official said.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken denied allegations that sanctions against Russia are the reason for the deterioration of the food situation in the world. He pointed out that Washington has made exceptions to restrictive measures for fertilizers and agricultural products, adding that international organizations and authorities of various concerned countries can work together to open corridors for the safe export of food from the territory of Ukraine, both by land and sea. However, Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov recently said that Ukrainian ports are "heavily mined" and pose a danger to shipping until they are cleared.
For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Cambodian Times news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Cambodian Times.
More InformationMADRID, Spain: Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, have died in a car accident in Spain. Spanish...
LONDON, U.K.: An unrelenting heatwave sweeping across Europe has pushed early summer temperatures to historic highs, triggering deadly...
President Donald Trump's plans to build a space-based Golden Dome missile defense shield have drawn immediate criticism from China,...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Paramount has agreed to pay US$16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by U.S. President Donald Trump over...
LONDON, U.K.: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer won a vote in Parliament this week to move ahead with changes to the country's welfare...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. President...
MADRID, Spain: Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, have died in a car accident in Spain. Spanish...
(Photo credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images) The Texas Rangers activated outfielder Wyatt Langford from the 10-day IL on Saturday...
(Photo credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images) The New York Yankees have signed third baseman Jeimer Candelario to a minor league...
(Photo credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images) Veteran wide receiver Chase Claypool, who hasn't played in the NFL since 2023, is confident...
(Photo credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images) Ramon Laureano and Jacob Stallings delivered run-scoring doubles in the 10th inning to help...
(Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images) Bobby Jenks, a member of the 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series championship team, died...