By Oluwaseun Sonde
The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has said that more than 650,000 metric tons of grain and other food are already on their way to markets around the world from Ukraine.
Guterres who disclosed this in Istanbul at the Joint Coordination Center for the Black Sea Grain Initiative meeting in Ukraine on Saturday, thanked those that played pivotal role in the initiative.
According to him, "At the heart of this initiative is the Joint Coordination Centre which enables the safe movement of dozens of commercial vessels.
"Every member of the delegations represented at the JCC – Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and United Nations have been working with dedication and professionalism bringing their unique skills and passion to support this essential work".
The UN Chief hailed this delegation, saying "they embody what we can achieve with political will, top operational expertise, and collective effort".
Guterres who just came back from the Marmara Sea where Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and United Nations teams are conducting joint inspections on the vessels passing through the Black Sea on their way in or out of the Ukrainian ports.
He said "What a remarkable and inspiring operation. I just saw a World Food Progamme-chartered vessel, Brave Commander which is waiting to sail to the horn of Africa to bring urgently needed relief to those suffering from acute hunger.
"Just yesterday, I was in Odesa port and saw first-hand the loading on a cargo of wheat onto a ship. I was so moved watching the wheat fill up the hold of the ship. It was the loading of hope for so many around the world", the UN Chief said.
Guterres noted that the other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to the global markets of Russian food and fertilizer, which are not subject to sanctions, calling on governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market.
"Without fertilizer in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023. Getting more food and fertilizer out of Ukraine and Russia is critical to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers".
UN Secretary General congratulated those in the Joint Coordination Centre, while pleading that this vital life-saving work to continue.
"We are at the beginning of a much longer process, but you have already shown the potential of this critical agreement for the world. You can count on the full commitment of the United Nations to support you".
Earlier, Ukraine's Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov has said that in less than a month, 25 ships have departed from Odesa and other Ukrainian ports loaded with grain and other food supplies as more on their way.
Guterres talking about the war between Russian and Ukraine, said "Ukrainian people has been suffering so much. They have witnessed so many deaths, so much destruction that it is legitimate to aspire for peace.
"But again, I repeat peace in line with UN Charter, peace in line with international law. That is the best way to mark World Humanitarian Day and help set the course for a more just and peaceful world for all".
The United Nations Secretary -General’s Ukraine trip began on Wednesday, 17 August, 2022 when he arrived in Lviv, having travelled from New York via Warsaw, Poland.
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