More than 650,000 metric tons of grain and other food are already on their way to markets around the world.
I just came back from the Marmara Sea where Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and United Nations teams are conducting joint inspections on the vessels passing through the Black Sea on their way in or out of the Ukrainian ports.
What a remarkable and inspiring operation.
I just saw a World Food Program-chartered vessel — Brave Commander
— which is waiting to sail to the horn of Africa to bring urgently needed relief to those suffering from acute hunger.
Just yesterday, I was in Odessa port and saw first-hand the loading of a cargo of wheat onto a ship. I was so moved watching the wheat fill up the hold of the ship. It was the loading of hope for so many around the world.
But let’s not forget that what we see here in Istanbul and in Odessa is only the more visible part of the solution.
The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to the global markets of Russian food and fertilizer, which are not subject to sanctions.
It is important that all governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market.
Without fertilizer in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023.
Getting more food and fertilizer out of Ukraine and Russia is critical to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers
I was so moved watching the wheat fill up the hold of the ship. It was the loading of hope for so many around the world.
We are at the beginning of a much longer process, but you have already shown the potential of this critical agreement for the world.
I am here with a message of congratulations for all those in the Joint Coordination Center and a plea for that vital life-saving work to continue. You can count on the full commitment of the United Nations to support you.
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This is the Secretary-General’s opening remarks at the press encounter with the Turkish Minister of Defense at the Joint Coordination Center for the Black Sea Grain Initiative.