Note to Correspondents - on the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, signed in Istanbul on 22 July 2022, has been extended. The Initiative allows for the facilitation of the safe navigation for the exports of grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers, including ammonia, from designated Ukrainian seaports. During the first two terms, some 25 million metric tonnes of grain and foodstuffs have been moved to 45 countries, helping to bring down global food prices and stabilizing the markets.

We express our gratitude to the Government of Türkiye for the diplomatic and operational support to the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, alongside the Memorandum of Understanding on promoting Russian food products and fertilizers to the world markets, are critical for global food security, especially for developing countries.

We remain strongly committed to both agreements and we urge all sides to redouble their efforts to implement them fully.

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

New York, 18 March 2023