BEIJING, November 1 – Novosti. The Chinese side calls on the parties to the conflict in Ukraine to de-escalate, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a briefing on Tuesday, answering a question about China’s position on the “grain deal”.
“China’s position on the Ukrainian issue is consistent and clear, in the current situation, we believe that all relevant parties should maintain restraint, avoid further escalation of the situation and work together to de-escalate it,” the diplomat said, answering a question about whether China supports export Ukrainian grain.
Zhao Lijian noted that earlier China proposed an initiative for international cooperation in the field of food security.
“We are ready to strengthen interaction and cooperation with all parties on this issue, contribute to the formation of a greater international consensus and make an active contribution to global food security,” he added.
Russia on Saturday announced the suspension of participation in the export of products from the ports of Ukraine after the terrorist attack by Kiev on the ships of the Black Sea Fleet and civilian ships in the waters of Sevastopol . According to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the preparation of the terrorist attack and the training of military personnel of the Ukrainian 73rd Special Center for Maritime Operations were carried out under the guidance of British specialists.
In Istanbul on July 22, multilateral agreements were signed on lifting restrictions on the supply of Russian products for export and on Russia’s assistance in the export of Ukrainian grain. The deal, which was signed by representatives of Russia, Turkey , Ukraine and the UN , involves the export of grain, food and fertilizer across the Black Sea from three ports, including Odessa .
Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out in early September that the West was exporting most Ukrainian grain to its own states, and not to needy countries in Africa . In his opinion, it is worth discussing the restrictions on this route with the President of Turkey. Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said earlier that part of the food deal concerning the export of Russian food and fertilizers is not working. Because of this, according to him, the termination of the agreement is not ruled out.
