Lavrov: US, EU assure UN Sec.-Gen. of lifting ban on grain exports from Russia

The US and the EU have handed over written promises to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to lift restrictions on the export of Russian grain and fertilizer, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters following his participation in the G20 summit, Report informs.

He noted that Guterres swore that the implementation of the ‘grain deal’ for him is a priority issue.

“Today at the meeting, the Secretary General spoke about the promises that the United States and the European Union conveyed to him, including on paper. They seem as, I would say, good intentions. If they are realized, then obstacles to the export of our fertilizers and the grains will be removed,” Lavrov said.

The grain deal ends on November 19, and the parties have not yet agreed to extend it. The Kremlin said that Russia is interested in extending the agreement and is negotiating with the UN.