Sudan’s Foreign minister, Russian envoy hold talks in Khartoum

December 26, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s acting Foreign Affairs minister, Ambassador Ali Al-Saddiq on Monday held bi-lateral talks with the Russian Ambassador to the country, Vladimir Zheltov.

During the meeting held in the capital, Khartoum, Al-Saddiq said Khartoum is committed to resolution of international disputes through peaceful dialogue, diplomatic means and negotiations.

He underscored the importance of reactivating the United Nations mechanisms for achieving international peace and keeping security.

The two sides, according to SUNA, also agreed on the necessity of conveying wheat, grains and fertilizers to states, especially African countries facing food insecurity challenges due to climate change.

Both officials agreed that delivering wheat, grains and agricultural fertilizers is crucial to the international market, especially in Africa.

Grain is one of Ukraine’s main industries, with exports totalling $12.2 billion in 2021, accounting for nearly a fifth of the country’s exports.

Prior to the war, Ukraine exported 98% of its cereals and oilseed via the Black Sea, at a rate of up to six million tonnes per month.

In November, Ukraine agreed to provide 125,000 tons of wheat to three African countries, including Sudan and Yemen under a food humanitarian programme to countries in Africa as well as Asia.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has worsened Africa’s food crisis, which is already affected by drought and conflicts.

After Russia invaded Ukraine, its navy imposed a blockade on Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, trapping about 20 million tonnes of grain meant for export inside the country, along with other food stuffs such as maize and sunflower oil.

However, Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports threatens to trigger a global food crisis, given that Ukraine is one of the world’s main agricultural exporters.

(ST)