WTO: Termination of the Ukrainian Grain Initiative Affects Harshly on Poor Countries

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), stressed that the sudden termination of the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a source of grave concern.

Iweala announced that she shares UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' deep regret and disappointment in this regard.

She added that global food security should not become a victim of war, especially since Ukraine and the Russian Federation are important suppliers of food, fodder, and fertilizers to international markets.

And she indicated, according to a statement by the Director-General on the official website of the organization, that people in poor countries that are struggling with food and energy price inflation will be the most affected by ending the initiative, as prices for future delivery of wheat and corn are already on the rise.

Iweala urged all parties to make every effort to return to the negotiating table.