Ukraine calls on the International Maritime Organization to immediately send an international monitoring mission to the ports of Odesa
On Wednesday, October 16, in Odesa, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha held negotiations with his colleagues from the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries. The visit of the Nordic and Baltic diplomats to Odesa followed up on President Zelenskyy’s talks with the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight.
The Minister emphasized that Ukraine remains a reliable partner and guarantor of global food security even in times of war and called on allies to support Ukrainian farmers.
“Due to our farmers, Ukraine maintains its resilience. We will continue to develop the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy “Grain from Ukraine” and plan to hold the Third Food Summit by the end of the year,” the Minister said.
The Ukrainian diplomat invited his partners to consider additional assistance in insuring ships and terminals. He noted the high efficiency of the Ukrainian Corridor, adding that since August 2023, more than 2,800 vessels have entered Ukrainian ports and 51 million tons of agricultural exports have been handled.
According to the Foreign Minister, over the past month alone, Russian strikes have damaged four ships, including those carrying grain for Egypt and corn for Italy, as well as humanitarian cargo from the UN Food Program for Palestine.
In this context, Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine has officially appealed to the International Maritime Organization to immediately send an international monitoring mission to the ports of Great Odesa amid intensified Russian terror.
“Ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is our common goal and one of the key priorities of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We must stop the aggressor, show the unity of the international community in countering its barbarism and record every crime,” the minister said.