Belgian authorities say they are facilitating the export of Russian fertilizers through their ports
Brussels encourages the export of fertilizers belonging to Russian companies through its ports. About what the authorities Belgium support the extension of the cereals agreement, declared at the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“In the context of the deficit, Belgium is working closely with UN and the World Food Program to facilitate the transport of fertilizer components belonging to Russian companies located in Belgian ports to countries in need,” the ministry said in a statement.
Authorities have denied the allegations Russia that Belgium and other European countries are responsible for blocking the export of these fertilisers. The Foreign Ministry clarified that the food crisis has worsened not because of Western sanctions, but because of “Russian aggression against Ukraine“.
At the same time, Brussels described as a positive moment the extension of the agreement providing for the promotion of the export of Ukrainian cereals and Russian fertilizers. The country’s authorities believe that this should help low-income countries to cope with the food crisis.
The grain agreement was concluded in July 2022 – Russia and Ukraine separately signed an agreement with Turkey and the UN. The document implies the creation of a safe corridor for the export of Ukrainian grain from ports Odessa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny, as well as the removal of obstacles to the export of Russian fertilizers. The agreement expired on March 18, but it extended for 16 days – until May 18.