Free Russian grain to Africa not the right path out of crisis – Italy's Tajani

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday, July 28, that allowing Russia to give free grain to Africa is not the right path out of the crisis caused by Russia's withdrawal from a Ukraine grain export deal.

That's according to ANSA, Ukrinform reports.

"We are pushing for dialogue on the grain corridor to be maintained. […] It is mainly the African peoples who pay the price for suspending the agreement," Tajani told La7 TV, adding that Italy supports Turkey's diplomatic efforts in this matter.

He also noted that if the Black Sea grain export deal is not renewed, grain prices would rise.

On July 17, Moscow announced the termination of the agreement with Turkey and the UN that allowed the safe passage of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on July 28 that Turkey "will not hesitate" to take the initiative necessary to prevent the "harmful consequences" of Moscow's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal.

Erdogan said that a "detailed discussion of this issue" with Russian President Vladimir Putin "will ensure the continuation of this humanitarian movement."

Photo: ANSA/EPA