Egypt criticized Russia's withdrawal from the Ukrainian grain export initiative and declared that it would continue to import Ukrainian wheat even after the collapse of the agreement. This statement was made by the Minister of Supply of Egypt, Ali al-Museilehi, calling on the Russian aggressor to reconsider his decision regarding the grain agreement. The minister also noted that Egypt, which is one of the largest importers of wheat in the world, plans to continue receiving Ukrainian wheat through Europe.
"We are unhappy with Russia's withdrawal from the UN grain export agreement," the minister said, noting that Egypt's economy suffered due to rising grain prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year.
The Egyptian government is also in talks with the United Arab Emirates for $400 million in financing to help them purchase the commodity.
It should be noted that the Kremlin refused to extend the "grain agreement", the validity of which ended on July 17.
What is known about the "grain agreement"
The agreement, known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative, was concluded separately between Russia and the UN and Ukraine and the UN, brokered by Turkey, in July 2022 in Istanbul. Then it was extended several times. It currently expires on July 17.
The work of the grain corridor has been practically blocked by the Russian side in recent months. Even before the extreme extension of the agreement, which was carried out in May, the Russian Federation threatened to withdraw from the agreement and demanded the fulfillment of a number of its conditions. It was, in particular, about the unblocking of foreign assets and accounts of Russian companies related to food and fertilizers, as well as the renewal of the supply of agricultural machinery, spare parts and service. In addition, the Russian Federation wanted to restore the operation of the Tolyatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline and reconnect Rossilhospbank to the SWIFT system.
However, recently, Russia once again announced plans to stop the operation of the corridor after the end of this term.
In his turn, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Taras Vysotsky, talked about the existence of an alternative plan to continue the export of agricultural products, if Russia withdraws from the agreements. It was about expanding the carrying capacity of the Danube region and increasing transshipment opportunities there. In addition, additional transit points and dry ports on the western border with Poland and Romania are being put into operation.