ISLAMABAD: As part of continued diplomatic efforts to revive Ukraine grain deal, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

FM Bilawal has already spoken to Turkish Foreign Minister, US Secretary of State and EU high representative on revival of Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) that allowed Ukraine to export grain despite conflict. In telephone conversation, he spoke to Lavrov and discussed grain deal among other issues. Foreign Office statement said, “Two ministers had useful exchange on bilateral matters and growing cooperation in diverse areas. He renewed invitation to Foreign Minister Lavrov to visit Pakistan.” It maintained that ministers also discussed BSGI.

Recognising importance of this initiative and its potential impact on disruption of global food supply chains causing food inflation and food-security-related challenges, FM Bilawal underscored need for concerted efforts to find viable solutions that would in particular benefit developing countries already under economic strain.

He expressed hope that all parties involved in BSGI would engage in constructive dialogue to revive Initiative. In this regard, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s support for international efforts for restoring deal by addressing concerns of all sides.

FM Lavrov shared Russia’s perspective on issue. Two ministers agreed to remain in close contact on matter.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 27 2023

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