WASHINGTON, March 9. /TASS/. The US administration supports efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres aimed at ensuring deliveries of Russian and Ukrainian grain to international markets, Spokesman of the Department of State Ned Price said at the regular briefing.

"The Black Sea Grain Initiative is a vital tool to combat global food insecurity and stabilize food prices," Price said. The United States "strongly supports the efforts of [UN] Secretary General [Antonio] Guterres in partnership with Turkey to bring Ukrainian and Russian grain to world markets," the Spokesman noted.

The US calls "for the initiative to be extended and expanded," he added.