The G7 countries called to preserve and expand the “grain agreement”

The “Great Seven” countries called for the continuation and expansion of the “grain agreement”, under which Ukraine exports grain from the ports of Great Odesa.

The G7 called for the “extension, full implementation and expansion” of the Istanbul Agreements. This is stated in the communique of the ministers of agriculture of the member countries of the group, Reuters reports.

Officials released the document after a two-day meeting in Miyazaki, Japan, in response to news that the “grain deal” was in danger of being derailed by russian federation.

“We condemn russia’s attempts to use food as a means of destabilization and as a tool of geopolitical coercion, and reaffirm our commitment to act in solidarity with and support those most affected by Russia’s use of food as a weapon,” the document reads.

The ministers also emphasized that they are ready to support the restoration and reconstruction of Ukraine, including by providing expert knowledge in demining agricultural lands and reconstruction of agricultural infrastructure.

USM previously reported that russia  could block the “grain corridor” after May 18 — two months after the agreement was renewed in March. Normally, the “grain agreement” was extended for 120 days, but this time russia insists that it allegedly agreed to extend the initiative for only 60.