APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused western countries of obstructing the supply of grain and fertilisers to Africa.
“A paradoxical picture emerges. On the one hand, the Western countries are obstructing the supply of our grain and fertilizers, and on the other hand, I will say it frankly, they are hypocritically accusing us of the current crisis situation in the world food market,” Putin said.
He was addressing African leaders at the second Russia- Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum at St. Petersburg, Russia.
Putin said “Russia agreed to participate in this so-called deal, including taking into account the obligations contained in it that illegitimate obstacles to the supply of our grain and fertilizers to world markets will be removed”.
The Russian leader added: ”And I want to tell you that this, and above all this, is about helping the poorest countries”.
He indicated that trade in agricultural products between Russia and African countries grew by 10 percent and amounted to $6.7 billion.
He further stated that Russia exported 11.5 million tons of grains to Africa in 2022, and in the first six months of this year alone, almost 10 million tons.
“And this is despite the illegal sanctions imposed on our exports, which seriously impede the supply of Russian food, complicate transportation, logistics, insurance and bank payments,” he said.
“In fact, nothing happened from what we discussed and what was promised to us. None of the terms of the deal regarding the withdrawal from the sanctions of Russian exports of grain and fertilizers to world markets was fulfilled. None. Obstacles were also raised for the gratuitous – just now we met with colleagues , with the leadership of the African Union – the transfer of mineral fertilizers by us to the poorest countries in need.”
“Of the 262 thousand tons of such fertilizers blocked in European ports, only two batches were sent – only 20 thousand tons to Malawi and 34 thousand tons to Kenya. The rest remained in the hands of the Europeans and this despite the fact that it was a purely humanitarian action, which, in principle, should not be subjected to any sanctions.”
“Well, someone doesn’t want Russia, as some say, to “get rich” and send money to military purposes. But it’s a freebie! No, they are not released. Despite all the empty talk about the desire to help the poorest countries,” President Putin said.
MG/as/APA