Peskov: Putin and representatives of Africa discussed the continuation of grain supplies

Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with representatives of African countries, stressed the importance of continuing the supply of Russian grain to this continent. This was stated by the press secretary of the head of state Dmitry Peskov.

Journalists asked Peskov if the meeting discussed direct grain supplies outside of the grocery deal.

“The importance of grain supplies, from the point of view of Russia, was emphasized, primarily Russian grain to the African continent to poor countries. The importance of continuing these deliveries was really emphasized,” Peskov replied.

On June 17, Putin received in St. Petersburg a delegation of seven African countries that presented a peace initiative to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. It was led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The meeting lasted over three hours.

During the meeting, Ramaphosa said that it is time for Russia and Ukraine to start negotiations, and African countries can make a positive contribution to this process, he said. The President of the Russian Federation, in turn, spoke about the implementation of the grain deal and provided data on the supply of agricultural products to needy countries in Africa. Of the total volume, only 3.1% of grain was exported there, Putin said. The head of state also for the first time showed initialed at last year’s negotiations in Turkey, an agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.

On June 13, during a meeting with military commanders, Putin announced that the Kremlin was considering the option of withdrawing from the grain deal. Journalists have previously clarified with Peskov whether we are talking about early exit or at the end of the deadline. “At the end,” he said.