The Group of Seven (G7) economic powers called on Sunday (23 April) for the “extension, full implementation and expansion” of a critical deal to export Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, the group’s agriculture ministers said in a statement.

The statement condemned “Russia’s attempts to use food as a means of destabilization and as a tool of geopolitical coercion” and reiterated the Group’s commitment to acting in solidarity and supporting those most affected by weaponization of food.

G7 members “stand ready” to support the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, including by providing expertise in the de-mining of agricultural land and reconstruction of agricultural infrastructure, the statement said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to discuss the Ukraine Black Sea grain export deal with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York this week.

Source: Qatar News Agency