No sanctions and other restrictions should prevent the supply of Russian food products as part of a food deal, Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra told RIA Novosti.
"Everything concerning food issues should not be subject to sanctions or other restrictions. It is necessary to facilitate the supply of food products, especially grain, as it is a necessary component for the subsistence of a large number of people," the minister said on the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum on Friday, commenting on restrictions on the supply of grain and fertilizers from Russia.
He said everything must be done to extend the grain deal, which expires November 19.
"We hope for the goodwill of all parties in this matter to successfully implement this necessary initiative," Lamamra added.
Multilateral agreements were signed in Istanbul on July 22 to lift restrictions on exports of Russian products and to help Russia export Ukrainian grain. The agreements were signed by representatives of Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN. Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out in early September that the West exports most of Ukraine's grain to its own states and not to needy countries in Africa. Vasily Nebenzia, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, noted that the part of the food deal concerning the export of Russian food and fertilizers was not working.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: PhR61/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from RIA Novosti