MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. Chairman of Russia’s ruling political party United Russia and Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev held talks on Thursday with South Africa’s Vice President David Mabuza discussing among other issues the situation in Ukraine and food security, the press office of the United Russia political party announced in a statement.
"Medvedev explained in detail all steps made on behalf of Moscow regarding this sphere [the provision of food], including a strict observance of the Istanbul package agreements regarding the shipment of the Ukrainian grains and further placement on global markets of Russian food and fertilizer products," the statement reads.
Medvedev also confirmed Russia’s readiness to provide its stock of agricultural products to African partners free of charge.
"In this context, Mabuza expressed his deep appreciation for the steps made to minimize all recently emerged possible threats of hunger," according to the statement.
"The South African vice president expressed his full understanding in regard to the reasons behind the conflict in Ukraine, having stressed that Moscow has the full right to protect its sovereignty," the statement from Russia’s ruling political party added.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that the previously halted grain exports from Ukraine via the maritime humanitarian corridor have been resumed. Erdogan specified that Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu informed his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar about the resumption of grain exports from Ukraine.
According to the Turkish leader, an agreement was also reached with Russia on the supply of grain to poor countries in Africa. "First of all, the corridor will function for deliveries <...> to the poor countries of Africa, in particular to Djibouti and Sudan," he said.
On November 2, Russia decided to resume participation in the grain deal after Ukraine, through the mediation of the UN and Turkey, guaranteed in writing that it would not use the security corridor in the Black Sea for military purposes, the Russian Defense Ministry said. However, Moscow stated that they reserve the right to withdraw from the agreement if Kiev violates the guarantees.
On Thursday, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is pleased that Ukraine, with Ankara's help, has signed such security guarantees, vowing that there won’t be any repeat attempts to use the humanitarian routes for the export of grain in the Black Sea for military purposes. But, he added, Moscow still does not see any progress regarding the second part of the agreement, which concerns removing any obstacles to the export of Russian fertilizers and grain.