United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the recent Black Sea security talks held in Saudi Arabia, involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine. These high-level discussions aimed to advance maritime safety and address broader issues stemming from the conflict in Ukraine. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric conveyed the Secretary-General’s appreciation for the progress made, particularly regarding freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
He stressed the protection of civilian vessels and port infrastructure as essential to sustaining global food supply chains and international trade. The talks in Saudi Arabia marked a critical step in Black Sea security talks, with Guterres reaffirming that stability in this strategic region is vital to mitigating the conflict’s impact on global markets. Maritime routes from both Ukraine and Russia continue to play a major role in the international food supply.
In February 2024, Guterres addressed letters to the Presidents of Ukraine, Russia, and Türkiye Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan proposing a framework for safe maritime navigation. These efforts underscore the UN’s long-standing engagement in fostering diplomatic solutions to the conflict. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to the MoU with Russia, aimed at enabling the movement of Russian food and fertilizer to international markets, which forms part of the global food security response.
The Secretary-General emphasized that his good offices remain available to support peace-oriented initiatives and continued diplomacy. The organization remains focused on backing practical solutions to reduce conflict and promote stability in the Black Sea region. Guterres expressed optimism that the outcomes of the Black Sea security talks could serve as a foundation for a lasting ceasefire and a just, enduring peace in Ukraine, grounded in international law and full respect for national sovereignty. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.