Moscow to Promote Initiatives on Transfer of Russian Grain to Needy Countries at G20, Diplomat Says

16:23, 8 February 2024

Muhammad Nooh Osman

Writer/Editor

In July 2023, at the second Russia-Africa Summit, President Vladimir Putin pledged to deliver a total of 200,000 tonnes of grain free of charge to six African countries in need. Moscow also initiated the delivery of 300,000 tonnes of free fertilizer to several African countries, contributing to their efforts to achieve food security in the region.

Sputnik

Moscow will promote at the Group of 20 (G20) initiatives on free transfer of Russian grain and fertilizers to needy countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said in an interview with Sputnik.

"We intend to promote the desired Russian initiatives on our free transfer of grain and fertilizers to needy countries, support for school feeding systems abroad. Of course, we will insist on a fair energy transition, without unjustified climate agitation, not to the detriment of the economy and energy consumers, based on the use of all promising technologies and fuels, in particular natural gas and peaceful nuclear energy," Pankin said.

The Russian side sees the Group of 20 as an important economic forum, the diplomat noted.

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"This is a platform where developed and developing countries can seek common ground on an equal footing, join efforts in the fight against global challenges [...] We will make a full contribution to the success of its work, including by preparing concrete proposals and exchanging experience," Pankin stressed.

The G20 comprises the 19 leading industrialized and emerging economies, including Russia, Argentina, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, France, South Korea, Turkey, South Africa, Japan, as well as the European Union and the African Union.

The AU was granted full membership status at the group's summit in Delhi, India, in September 2023. Brazil took over the G20 presidency at the end of last year.