Guterres, Lavrov discuss Ukraine, grain deal at UN

UNITED NATIONS — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and they discussed the Ukraine crisis.

With regard to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows the export of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products from Black Sea ports, Guterres expressed concerns over the recent obstacles encountered by the Joint Coordination Center in its daily operations, according to a readout of the meeting issued by the UN chief's news office.

Guterres gave Lavrov "a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, outlining a proposed way forward aimed at the improvement, extension and expansion" of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a spokesperson for the secretary-general said in a statement.

An agreement has been in place since last July that allows Ukrainian grain to be exported via the Black Sea after they were blocked amid the conflict with Russia. The exports are vital for world food security.

A similar letter was sent to the two other signatories in the agreement, Ukraine and Turkiye, the statement added.

Guterres also updated Lavrov on the efforts of the UN Secretariat to address issues, related to visas for Russian officials.

Lavrov is at the UN Headquarters in New York to chair the Security Council meetings as his country holds the rotating Security Council presidency for the month of April.

US denial

The Russian mission to the United Nations said the United States denied the issuance of US visas to Russian journalists who were supposed to accompany Lavrov on his official visit to New York for Security Council meetings.

This was done despite the fact that Russian media representatives complied with all relevant terms and requirements, including valid UN media accreditation, said the Russian mission in a statement on Sunday.

The US violated again its obligations under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, it said.

"We consider this step as another manifestation of neglect of international law by the United States. When denying access to UN events for Russian journalists, the US authorities once again demonstrate their true attitude to freedom of speech and availability of information," said the statement.

Xinhua - Agencies