Black Sea Navigation Agreement: A Key to Global Food Security

An agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is essential for protecting civilian vessels and contributing to global food security, according to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The U.N. remains actively involved in negotiations with involved parties to resume and sustain safe navigational activities.

The Black Sea navigation agreement is seen as critical for safeguarding civilian vessels and maintaining global food security, a U.N. spokesperson highlighted on Wednesday. The U.N. has been working towards this goal with Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey for over a year.

This effort stems from the proposal made by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, which sought to ensure safe passage in the Black Sea. Originally brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in 2022, the Black Sea Initiative facilitated the safe export of Ukrainian grain, amid strained international relations.

Despite Russia's withdrawal from the initiative in July 2023, citing obstacles to its own exports, U.N. officials, including Rebeca Grynspan, continue to negotiate with Moscow for the memorandum's implementation. The U.N. offers its ongoing support for peace negotiations in the region.