China supports UN's efforts to revive Black Sea grain deal: ambassador

China supports the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to bring about the early resumption of exports of grain and fertilizer from Russia and Ukraine, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN Geng Shuang said at the UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine on Wednesday.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative and the memorandum of understanding on Russian food and fertilizer exports "have important roles in stabilizing global food prices, maintaining global food security and improving the food supply for the most vulnerable countries," Geng said.

Noting that the opportunity for the resumption of the package agreement still exists, Geng called for the international community to enhance its sense of urgency and push the parties to intensify dialogue and consultations, address each other's concerns and strive for the early resumption of exports of Russian and Ukrainian grain and fertilizer.

Guterres called on Russia on Monday to return to a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of Ukrainian grain in accordance with a proposal he made to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia quit the agreement a week ago, saying that demands to improve its own food and fertilizer exports had not been met, and that not enough Ukraine grain had reached the poorest countries under the Black Sea deal.

(CGTN)