Ukraine’s envoy calls on Egypt to join efforts to restore grain supplies

The Special Representative of Ukraine for the Middle East and Africa, Maksym Subh, called on the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Igab Nasr, to join the implementation of Volodymyr Zelensky’s Peace Formula and to actively join international efforts to restore supplies of Ukrainian grain to the African continent.

That’s according to a readout of talks posted by MFA Ukraine, reports Ukrinform.

According to the report, the Egyptian side was briefed on the ongoing liberation of Ukrainian lands from the Russian invaders that will last until the complete de-occupation of territories within the internationally recognized borders. The Special Representative invited Egypt to join the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Peace Formula and take part in the Third Summit of the International Crimea Platform - an international consultation and coordination format created with the aim of deoccupying Crimea and peacefully returning the peninsula under Ukraine’s control.

Subh noted that thanks to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, through which more than 1.4 million tons of agricultural products were delivered to Egypt, Ukraine remains a reliable guarantor of Egypt’s food security, as well as that of many other countries in Africa and the Middle East. In this regard, the Ukrainian diplomat called on Cairo to actively join international efforts aimed at restoring supplies of Ukrainian grain to Africa.

During the conversation, the parties discussed a number of issues of developing Ukrainian-Egyptian cooperation in the trade and economic, agri-industrial, and other areas, as well as expanding the contractual and legal basis of bilateral relations, and strengthening cooperation within the framework of international organizations.

As reported, on July 17, Russia announced the termination of the agreement with Türkiye and the UN regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative. According to the Ukrainian Grain Association, from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, Ukraine exported more than $20 billion worth of grain and oil crops.