Russia Initiates Humanitarian Grain Aid to Africa

(MENAFN) In a significant humanitarian effort, Russia has launched the shipment of 25,000 tons of free wheat to Africa from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The Russian federal customs Service announced this initiative, marking the first vessel destined for Africa under a program to supply 200,000 tons of grain free to African countries.

The vessel, which has already departed from the Russian port, is en route to its undisclosed destination in Africa. The statement from the Russian Federal Customs Service emphasized the humanitarian nature of the aid, intended for one of the African countries facing food shortages.

This initiative follows the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, prompting Russia to establish new arrangements for the supply of free grain to Africa. Under the current plan, ships carrying 25,000 tons of grain will first dock in Turkey, where the grain will be processed in private flour mills. The resulting flour will then be shipped and distributed among various African nations.

The commitment to provide free food was formalized during the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Forum in St. Petersburg in July. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced agreements to supply free food to six African nations: Burkina Faso, Mali, the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. Each country is set to receive between 25,000 and 50,000 tons of grain, with all transportation costs covered by Moscow.

Russia's initiative to send humanitarian aid in the form of wheat underscores its commitment to supporting African nations facing food insecurity. The success of this program has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the recipients, addressing immediate food needs and contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships.

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