G7 calls for extension of Black Sea grain deal

The Group of Seven (G7) agriculture ministers called for the “extension, full implementation and expansion” of a crucial Black Sea grain export accord on Sunday.

The UN-Turkey deal, agreed in Istanbul last July, allowed Ukraine to export almost 27 million tonnes of grain from multiple Black Sea ports.

Russia, which invaded its neighbor in February 2022, has firmly indicated that the pact would not continue beyond May 18 since a list of conditions to promote its own grain and fertilizer exports has not been addressed.

The G7 agriculture ministers “recognised the importance” of the accord in their communique after a two-day conference in Miyazaki, Japan, saying, “We strongly support the extension, full implementation and expansion of (the Black Sea Grain Initiative) BSGI.”

“We condemn Russia’s attempts to use food as a means of destabilisation and as tool of geopolitical coercion and reiterate our commitment to acting in solidarity and supporting those most affected by Russia’s weaponisation of food,” the communique stated.

The agreement claimed G7 members “stand ready” to help Ukraine recover and rebuild, particularly by demining agricultural land and rebuilding agricultural infrastructure.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will discuss the Ukraine Black Sea grain export pact in New York this week.