New York

30 October 2022

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the Black Sea Grain Initiative

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the ongoing situation regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

He has decided to delay his departure for the Arab League Summit in Algiers by a day to focus on the issue.

The Secretary-General continues to engage in intense contacts aiming at the end of the Russian suspension of its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The same engagement also aims at the renewal and full implementation of the initiative to facilitate exports of food and fertilizer from Ukraine, as well as removing the remaining obstacles to the exports of Russian food and fertilizer.