ISLAMABAD:
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to resuscitate the Ukraine grain agreement.
On the topic of reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), which allowed Ukraine to export grain despite the fighting, FM Bilawal has already spoken with the Turkish foreign minister, the US secretary of state, and the EU high representative.
Russia’s recent withdrawal from the pact struck by Turkey and the UN in July of last year is noteworthy.
The Ukrainian foreign minister, who was in Pakistan just last week, asked Islamabad to help revive the accord during his visit. After accepting the offer, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal has been in contact with the appropriate countries.
On Wednesday, he called Lavrov to talk about the grain deal and other topics.
According to a statement released by the Foreign Office, “the two ministers had a useful exchange on bilateral matters and growing cooperation in diverse areas.” And Foreign Minister Lavrov’s offer to visit Pakistan was extended once again by the Foreign Minister.
It claimed that the BSGI was considered by the ministers.
For more, read “Pakistan offers ‘good offices’ to revive Ukraine grain deal”
FM Bilawal emphasised the need for concerted efforts to find solutions that would particularly benefit developing countries already under economic strain, given the significance of this initiative and its potential impact on disruption of global food supply chains causing food inflation and food-security-related challenges.
He voiced his optimism that the BSGI might be revitalised by open communication amongst all parties concerned. Specifically, Bilawal reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for international efforts to restore the pact by resolving the concerns of all sides.
He shared the results of his BSGI talks with the Russian foreign minister, including his conversations with the Ukrainian and Turkish foreign ministers, the US secretary of state, and the EU high representative.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov explained his country’s position. The two ministers resolved to keep in regular contact with the situation.
