Kuleba discusses the grain initiative with Pakistan's leadership

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba paid a visit to Islamabad, the first in the history of bilateral relations.

This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

As noted, Kuleba was received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and held talks with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

The heads of Ukrainian and Pakistani diplomacy discussed threats to global food security amid Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

"Thanks to the export of Ukrainian grain by the Black Sea, world flour prices have fallen by almost 20% since July 2022. At the same time, Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal will lead to a significant increase in food prices, particularly in Asia. Millions of lives around the world have become hostage to the Kremlin's hunger games. We must join our efforts to prevent Russia from using food as a weapon," Kuleba emphasized.

He emphasized that Ukraine is determined to remain a reliable supplier of food to global markets, including Pakistan. The Minister thanked Pakistan for its willingness to join international efforts to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative and find a solution that will allow Ukraine to continue exporting grain.

The Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Pakistan also discussed steps to intensify bilateral cooperation. They agreed to hold political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in the near future and to accelerate the preparation of the inaugural meeting of the Ukraine-Pakistan Economic Cooperation Commission.

"Ukraine is interested in increasing bilateral trade, launching mutually beneficial projects in the areas of digitalization of public services, engineering and agriculture, as well as deepening cooperation in education," Kuleba said.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 21/07/2023