UN, Russian officials hold talks on grain, fertiliser exports

UN officials met with Russia’s deputy foreign minister to discuss the unimpeded export of grain and fertilisers on November 11.

Rebeca Grynspan, the secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths met with a high-level Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Vershinin in Geneva, according to Anadolu Agency.

The talks at the Palais des Nations were not open to the media.

"It is hoped that the discussions will advance progress made in facilitating the unimpeded export of food and fertilisers originating from the Russian Federation to the global markets," Alessandra Vellucci, director at UN Information Services, said at a news conference.

Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine signed an agreement in Istanbul on July 22 to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which paused after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February.
The accord allows the export of food and fertilisers from Black See ports in Ukraine and could expire on Nov. 19 if Russia or Ukraine object to its extension.