Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin announced during a press conference that a plan to provide 1 million tons of Russian grain to Turkey for processing and subsequent distribution to countries in need is currently in the process of being developed.
"I would like to clarify that this initiative is separate from the Black Sea initiative and the Istanbul agreements. It underscores our commitment to assisting developing nations, particularly in Africa and other regions, in addressing food-related challenges. We have a surplus in our grain harvest, and we are prepared to be a reliable supplier while also offering assistance in this regard," he explained.
"So, this scheme is currently under discussion and negotiation. The idea is for Russian grain, once processed in Turkey, to be directed to countries facing real need, rather than going to well-supplied nations, as was the case with Ukrainian grain over the past year," Vershinin added.
The deputy minister also emphasized that the Russian Federation will fulfill its promise of providing free grain supplies to African countries by the end of the year. "I can confirm that in addition to that, President Putin's commitment to send over 200,000 tons of grain to six African countries by year-end will be honored entirely at Russia's expense," he stated.
Vershinin stressed that this assistance represents concrete action, saying, "I want to emphasize once more that actions speak louder than words."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS