The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, emphasized the importance of renewing the Black Sea grain initiative. The Arab League stated in a press release that this came during a phone call Aboul Gheit received from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, during which they discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian crisis and international efforts to resolve it.
The statement indicated that the call also addressed the difficulties Ukraine faces in exporting its products, particularly grains, following Russia's refusal to extend the Black Sea grain initiative. Aboul Gheit expressed hope for the establishment of arrangements that could stabilize the prices of essential food commodities, especially during a period marked by a decline in global grain availability and concerning disruptions in global production due to various factors, including drought and climate change.
He noted the Arab League's support for the United Nations initiative in this regard since its launch in July 2022, highlighting its significance in providing grains to several countries, including Arab nations, and reaffirmed support for all efforts aimed at reaching a consensus on this matter.
Last month, Russia announced its refusal to extend the grain deal and the cancellation of security guarantees for freedom of navigation, as well as the closure of the safe maritime corridor and the reinstatement of a temporary blockade in the northwestern Black Sea Basin.
