Cairo, 29 May 2023 - The UN Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Abdullah Dashti concluded today a two-day visit to Cairo, Egypt, as part of his broader engagement with member states, inter-governmental organizations and other constituencies.
In Cairo, Mr. Dashti met with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit and briefed him on the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative, its contribution towards global food security and the UN¡¯s efforts to strengthen it.
Mr. Dashti mentioned that over 30,5 million tons of grain and food products have so far been shipped from Ukraine to world markets, including over 625,000 tons to people in acute humanitarian need via the UN World Food Programme¡¯s operations. Nearly 4 million tons of food, which amounts to 13% of total exports under the Initiative, have so far been shipped to countries of the Arab League. The Initiative has contributed to a drop of 20% of the Food and Agriculture Organization food price index over the last year.
Mr. Dashti briefed on the current situation as well as on UN efforts to address the challenges. He thanked Mr. Aboul Gheit and the membership of the League of Arab States for continued support.
Mr. Dashti also met with Egypt¡¯s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ihab Nasr, and Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Ali ElMoselhy. They discussed the important contribution the Initiative is making in supplying local markets as well as its prospects.
¡°The UN is working with the parties to pursue the predictable and stable operations of exports, including shipments of ammonia out of Ukraine. Strengthening and fully implementing the Initiative can further contribute to the availability and affordability of key food staples and fertilizers throughout the world, most critically in countries struggling with food security¡±, Mr. Dashti said.
For inquiries, please contact: Ismini Palla (Ms), Office of the UN Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, mobile/WhatsApp: +90 534 263 2368, email: palla@un.org
