Ukrainian MFA explains importance of ‘grain corridor’ to diplomats from Arab Gulf states

Ukraine’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa Maksym Subkh, at a meeting with diplomats from the Arab states of the Gulf, emphasized the importance of ensuring uninterrupted operation of the Black Sea Grain Corridor.

According to the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, ambassadors and senior diplomats of the embassies of Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia in Ukraine took part in the video conference meeting.

The parties discussed the current state of implementation and modalities of further expanding the "Grain from Ukraine" international humanitarian initiative of President Volodymyr Zelensky, which is aimed at maintaining food security in the most vulnerable to food shortage countries in Africa and Asia, as well as providing effective assistance to domestic farmers during the wartime.

“In this context, the Ukrainian diplomat emphasized the importance of ensuring the unhindered and safe functioning of the Black Sea Grain Corridor,” the MFA said.

Subkh noted the determination of Ukraine to maintain an active and diverse political dialogue with the Arab states of the Gulf. He also expressed gratitude for their consistent position on supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Markiyan Dmytrasevych also participated in the event.

As reported, two-day talks on the Black Sea Grain Initiative at the level of deputy defense ministers ended in Istanbul on May 11. It was agreed to extend talks in the same format soon, as well as to return ships and crews that were forced to stay in Ukrainian ports.