Guterres highlighted that Russia had confirmed its participation in the Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding on food and fertilizer exports for an additional 60 days in late May. However, the agreement is set to expire on July 17.

Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, noted that food exports via the Black Sea have dramatically declined from a peak of 4.2 million metric tons in October of the previous year to just 1.3 million tons last month, the lowest volume since the initiative's inception. The Secretary-General expressed disappointment at the exclusion of the port of Yuzhny/Pivdennyi near Odesa, which has reportedly received no ships since May 2 and was previously a Russian hub for exporting ammonia.

In response to the situation, Guterres called upon all parties involved to accelerate operations and emphasized the need for them to “do their utmost to ensure the continuation of this vital agreement.” The UN chief highlighted that the faltering initiative has resulted in reduced vessel traffic at Ukraine's sea ports, ultimately leading to a decline in the global supply of essential foodstuffs.

In a recent update provided by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), the total grain and foodstuffs exported was reported to be nearly 32 million tons, including over 625,000 tons of grain shipped on vessels chartered by the World Food Programme (WFP).

Guterres's statement further reiterated the UN's full commitment to supporting both the Black Sea Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding with Russia, with the goal of ensuring the safe and predictable export of food and fertilizers, including ammonia, from Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets. The UN chief emphasized the critical importance of this agreement, especially as the new grain harvest begins in both countries.

As the July 17 renewal deadline approaches, the Secretary-General called on all parties involved to expedite their operations and prioritize the continuation of this essential agreement, which plays a significant role in sustaining food and fertilizer exports for the benefit of nations worldwide. (ILKHA)