Many African countries have suffered heavily from the grain shortage caused by the war in Ukraine. At a press conference in Cairo, Lavrov blamed Ukraine for the failure of the peace talks.
17:15•Updated 17:36
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov currently visiting Egypt. Lavrov met the Egyptian president in Cairo on Sunday Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his colleagues Sameh Shukryn.
In addition, Lavrov will meet with the Secretary General of the Arab League during his visit By Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Russia is trying to attract allies from Africa, when Western countries have stopped almost all trade with Russia during the spring.
At a joint press conference with Shukry, Lavrov said that the ministers discussed the war in Ukraine, reports AP news agency. Russia calls its war of aggression a “special military operation”.
At the event, Lavrov blamed Ukraine for the failure of previous peace talks. According to Egypt, the conflict should be resolved “politically and diplomatically”.
Lavrov thanked the Africans
For example, no African country has joined the US and EU’s embargo against Russia.
Lavrov also emphasized in his writing how Russia has always “sincerely supported the struggle of Africans for freedom from the colonial yoke”.
The question of food security overshadows Lavrov’s trip
The war of aggression started by Russia has brought uncertainty to the food supply of many African countries, as many countries in the region are largely dependent on Ukrainian and Russian grain. According to World Bank statistics, more than 40 percent of the continent’s wheat comes from Ukraine and Russia.
The question of whether Russia will stick to the agreements signed a couple of days ago, in which Russia and Ukraine agreed to secure grain supplies in the Black Sea, also came up at the press conference of Lavrov and Egyptian Foreign Minister Shukry.
According to Lavrov, the Russian grain suppliers are committed to fulfill their obligations according to the agreement.
In the Foreign Minister’s letter published before Lavrov’s visit to Africa, Lavrov denied that Russia would cause famine with its actions. Lavrov accused the claims of Western propaganda.
In addition to Egypt, Lavrov is scheduled to visit Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda during his trip to Africa.