A deal on the freedom of navigation of ships and ports in the Black Sea, which would ensure the safety of civilian vessels as well as port infrastructures, "will make a significant contribution to the global food supply chain and security," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations.

On Tuesday, the United States and Russia announced separate agreements to pause their attacks in the Black Sea as well as against each other's targets for energy. However, the rhetoric coming from Moscow and Kyiv indicated that they were still far apart.

Dujarric noted that the United Nations has worked on this issue consistently, particularly since Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter to the leaders in Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey last February, urging them to submit a proposal to "safety and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea."

In July 2022, the United Nations and Turkey mediated the Black Sea Initiative to ensure the safe exportation of Ukrainian grain. U.N. officials have agreed to assist Russia in moving its food and fertiliser exports abroad under a three-year Memorandum of Understanding.

In July 2023, Russia resigned from the Black Sea Initiative after complaining about serious obstacles to its exports of food and fertilizer.

Rebeca Grynspan, the top U.N. official for trade, has worked with Russia to implement the MOU. She met with Russian officials on Monday in Moscow.

Dujarric stated that "the United Nations remains engaged closely in the ongoing implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding." The Secretary-General is available to assist in any efforts toward peace. (Reporting and editing by Rod Nickel, Katharine Jackson, and Michelle Nichols)

(source: Reuters)