Japan, Ethiopia to jointly restore Black Sea grain agreement

Talks between Japan's foreign minister and Ethiopia's deputy prime minister have sparked hope for collaboration to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi criticized Russia for ending the initiative and expressed a desire to work closely with Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonen, to restart it.

• Since July 2022, Ethiopia, under UN protection, has exported more than 262 metric tons of wheat due to the Black Sea Grain Agreement's initiation.

• Severe drought, conflict, and climate-related challenges in Ethiopia have left over 20 million people in need of food aid.

• Hayashi also discussed Japan's support for the peace accord that ended the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, aiming for successful implementation of the agreement.

Black Sea Grain Agreement:

• The Black Sea Grain Agreement, formed in response to global food concerns, aimed to secure the safe sea transport of grains.

• Ukraine and Russia, major grain exporters, faced disruptions due to their conflict, leading to increased food prices and worries about food security in vulnerable nations.

• Turkey and the United Nations jointly facilitated the Black Sea Grain Agreement in July 2022.

• However, Russia's withdrawal from the agreement has caused far-reaching effects, impacting international markets and global food security concerns.

Ethiopia:

• Capital: Addis Ababa

• Currency: Birr

• President: Sahle-Work Zevde

• Prime Minister: Abiy Ahmed

• Deputy Prime Minister: Demeke Mekonen (also serves as Foreign Minister)