MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. The Middle East conflict and other geopolitical shocks are contributing to the destabilization of food markets, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

"Unfortunately, geopolitical shocks, primarily the conflict in the Persian Gulf, are contributing to increasing food insecurity," he noted.

The senior diplomat pointed out that, as a result of the abovementioned conflict, "disruptions in food supply chains have taken place, leading to a decline in fertilizer supply on global markets and, consequently, a surge in prices." "Rising fuel prices, as well as increasing transport tariffs have led to inflation in the countries of the [African] continent," he pointed out. "Grain crops, animal feed, meat, and dairy products are becoming more expensive," Ryabkov stressed.

"Once again: this is a reminder to us all that it is necessary to not only put out the political and geopolitical fires, but also work together to achieve food sovereignty for the [African] continent," the deputy foreign minister concluded.