Global Food Crisis caused by sanctions on Russia: FM Sergey Lavrov

Addis Ababa, July 27, 2022 (FBC) – Foreign Minister of Russia briefed ambassadors of various countries and the media based in Addis Ababa on current issues the light of the Russia-Ukraine situation and the global economic situation.

In his briefing, Lavrov noted that “We are in a period when we will be deciding what kind of universe we are going to leave for our children and grandchildren based on the United Nations Charter.”

“Although the problems of the world food market started as the beginning of Coronavirus, the many-sided sanctions on Russia has exacerbated the world food crises,” But, he said, the situation is

“The sanction is undermining the availability of food in the market. When we explained this to them, they said food and fertilizer are not affected by sanctions. Of course, it is half true. But the truth is that the list of sanctions do not contain an item saying ‘food.’ But it does contain a prohibition for the Russian ships to go to the port in the Mediterranean.”

The Russian agricultural sector, which has always served the payments for Russian food experts was listed in the European Union’s sanction, Lavrov said.

Russian ships are banned from accessing EU countries ports since February. He said the sanction against Russia, especially against its ships, has been affecting the food, fertilizer and gas markets.

This sanction is affecting Russia from supplying food and fertilizer to the global market, including Africa, which is the major importer of these goods.

Lavrov added that the sanction also includes prohibition of foreign ships to go to Russian ports to pick up food supplies and other cargos.

Mentioning the latest deal with the UN and Turkey on reopening the blockade on Black Sea routes for grain exports, the Russian minister said “the latest attempt by our Turkish friend and the Secretary-General of the United Nations resulted in a deal between Russia and the UN whereby Secretary-General António Guterres committed himself to press Western countries to lift those restrictions, which I just mentioned. We will see whether he can succeed.”