Zelenskyy discusses Russia's exit from the grain deal with Ethiopia

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali discussed Russia's blockade of shipping, Moscow's withdrawal from the grain deal, shelling of Ukraine, and preparations for the Global Peace Summit.

The head of state announced this in a message on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"During the first telephone conversation in the history of bilateral relations with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, he spoke about Russia's unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the illegal blocking of shipping, and the shelling of Ukraine's port and energy infrastructure. We discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit," Zelenskyy said.

The President invited the Prime Minister of Ethiopia to visit Ukraine.

He also emphasized the need to create a platform for dialogue with African countries.

"The voice of Ethiopia, the African Union, and the whole of Africa is very important to us," the head of state emphasized.

He said that Ukraine has sent almost 300 thousand tons of food to Ethiopia as part of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and another 90 thousand tons of grain under a separate initiative called Grain from Ukraine.

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is ready to remain a guarantor of global food security and is also interested in developing bilateral relations with Ethiopia in the areas of security, digitalization, and others.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 21/07/2023