Russia: First ships with free grain for Africa set sail
According to Russia, it has shipped the first of its promised free grain deliveries to Africa. "The first two ships have already left Russian ports for Somalia and Burkina Faso," explained Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev. "We assume that they will arrive at the end of November to the beginning of December."
State news agencies reported that Patrushev had specified the cargo volume as 25,000 tons per freighter. Patrushev went on to explain that more ships would be leaving for Mali, Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic and Eritrea by the end of the year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had promised in July to send 200,000 tons of free grain to six African countries. Shortly before this, Moscow had canceled a grain agreement brokered by the United Nations that allowed Ukrainian agricultural exports across the Black Sea.
Russia and Ukraine are among the world's largest producers and exporters of agricultural goods. Russia's offensive in Ukraine had raised fears of a global food shortage and rising prices, particularly for grain.
Since the start of the extensive military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has stepped up his diplomatic efforts regarding Africa. In the summer, he hosted a meeting of African heads of state and government in his home city of St. Petersburg, which also included exhibitions by Russian arms manufacturers and the state nuclear energy company.
- Russia is sending the first two ships loaded with 25,000 tons of free grain each to Somalia and Burkina Faso, as part of its pledge to deliver 200,000 tons of free grain to six African countries.
- After canceling a UN-brokered grain agreement with Ukraine, Russia is now shipping grain to Burkina Faso, joining Somalia as the first two African nations to receive these free deliveries.
- In addition to Somalia and Burkina Faso, Russia plans to send ships with free grain to Mali, Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea by the end of the year.
- While tensions with Ukraine have sparked concerns about a global food shortage, Russia is looking beyond its rivalry and supporting the food needs of at least six African countries, including Burkina Faso.
Source: www.ntv.de
