While discussing the halted Black Sea grain deal, he promised large no-cost shipments of grain to six African countries. “I have already said that our country can replace Ukrainian grain, both on a commercial basis and as grant aid to the neediest African countries, more so since we expect another record harvest this year,” he said. Guterres told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York that taking millions of tons of Ukrainian grain out of the global market will lead to higher prices. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said Russia’s promise to donate grain to African nations did not compensate for pulling out of the deal on Ukrainian grain. The Kremlin said crude Western pressure to discourage African nations from taking part caused the number of leaders taking part to shrink.

Source: Ethiopian News July 27, 2023 18:24 UTC