Synopsis
On March 27, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the agreement reached by the US, Russia, and Ukraine on Black Sea navigation, calling it a significant step for global food security and supply chains. This development followed discussions in Saudi Arabia aimed at ensuring safe maritime operations.Key Takeaways
- Guterres endorsed the navigation agreement as vital for global food security.
- The US, Russia, and Ukraine committed to safe navigation in the Black Sea.
- Technical discussions were held in Saudi Arabia prior to the agreement.
- The UN is actively facilitating access to Russian food and fertilizers globally.
- Efforts aim to establish a lasting peace in Ukraine.
United Nations, March 27 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his approval of the agreements made by the United States, Russia, and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia regarding freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, describing it as "a vital contribution to global food security and supply chains," according to his spokesperson.
The United States has successfully negotiated with Russia and Ukraine to guarantee safe navigation, abolish the use of force, and prevent commercial vessels from being utilized for military purposes in the Black Sea, as stated by the White House on Tuesday.
This agreement was the result of distinct technical discussions involving US and Ukrainian delegations, as well as talks between US and Russian delegations, which took place from March 23 to 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to a report from Xinhua news agency.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, remarked, "Achieving an agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to safeguard civilian vessels and port infrastructure will represent a significant contribution to global food security and supply chains, highlighting the significance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to international markets."
The United Nations has been diligently working on this matter, particularly following letters dispatched by the UN chief to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 7, 2024, proposing a plan for safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, Dujarric noted.
The organization also remains actively involved in the ongoing execution of the memorandum of understanding with Russia to facilitate access to Russian food and fertilizers in global markets to enhance global food security, the spokesperson mentioned.
Expressing his support for all peace initiatives, Guterres reiterated in the statement his aspiration that these efforts will lead to a sustainable ceasefire and contribute to realizing a just, comprehensive, and enduring peace in Ukraine, in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and pertinent UN resolutions while fully respecting Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
