TOKYO, Apr 23 meetings in the Japanese city of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture reaffirmed the importance of the grain deal and strongly support its «extension, full implementation and expansion.»
«We recognize the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative brokered by Turkey. In this regard, we express our strong support for its extension, full implementation and expansion,» the joint statement said.
At the same time, representatives of the G7 again accused Russia of allegedly «using food as a measure of destabilization and a tool for geopolitical coercion.»
«We intend to continue developing our restrictive measures against Russia to protect the population in need from unforeseen consequences, ensuring that food and fertilizer are not affected,» the document says.
In addition, the participants in the ministerial meeting noted the need to take all possible measures to minimize the negative consequences of military operations in Ukraine in developing countries, as well as to achieve sufficient and sustainable agricultural production in the medium and long term.
«Given the growth of world population, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stop the destruction of biodiversity and adapt to climate change is becoming more acute … This is supposed to be achieved through the application of a wide range of innovations and the promotion of sustainable farming,» the joint statement emphasizes.