UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday it was “critical” to extend Ukraine’s grain export deal with Russia, recalling that it is vital to the world’s food supply.
“I want to underline the utmost importance of renewing the grain agreement on March 18, and creating conditions to make the best use of the export infrastructure”said Guterres during his visit to Kiev.
Recalling that this is his third visit to the Ukrainian capital, the UN Secretary-General explained that his presence should be seen as a “complete commitment to find solutions” to the conflict that began in February last year.
Guterres pointed out that the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) price index has fallen by almost 20% over the past year, making it essential to secure exports of Ukrainian (and Russian) grains and fertilizers “for global food security” .
Guterres wants the UN to be part of a solution to the conflict
UN Secretary-General António Guterres met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev to “seek solutions” that would allow a “just peace” to be reached in a year-long conflict.
“The sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be maintained within its internationally recognized borders,” Guterres said at the start of the meeting.
“Our ultimate goal is equally clear, a just peace based on the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the recent resolution of the General Assembly”added the UN Secretary-General.
Guterres stressed that until this goal is achieved, the UN will continue its efforts to mitigate the impact of the conflict on both the Ukrainian people and the rest of the world.
The United Nations leader took the opportunity to recall that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been mobilized to ensure the safety of nuclear power plants in Ukraine, including Zaporijia, the largest in Europe.
The UN Secretary-General defended that it is possible to negotiate to achieve the complete demilitarization of the area of these power plants, as well as their return to normal operation, and offered to mediate these negotiations.
Zelensky used his account on the Telegram social network to share footage of the reception with the UN Secretary-General, citing the importance of the visit.
“It is very important that we talk in Kiev about how to restore peace, international security and the full validity of the UN Charter, standards that are equally important for all nations on the planet,” the Ukrainian president wrote.
Source: DN
