Ukraine and Russia signed, Friday in Istanbul, two separate agreements with #Turkey and the #United_Nations on the export of #grain and agricultural products through the Black Sea.

Ministers from Russia and Ukraine signed the agreement separately, carefully avoiding sitting at the same table or shaking hands during the ceremony.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Guterres said: "I thank Turkey for facilitating this agreement for the export of Ukrainian grain.. As for the representatives of Ukraine and Russia, you have overcome obstacles and put aside your differences to take this initiative that will serve the interest of all, favoring the welfare of humanity."

He added, "Transporting grain to world markets will reduce pressure on prices, which have risen and represent a nightmare for a number of countries."

He continued, "This initiative that we signed opens the way for there to be exports from 3 important ports in the Black Sea, which are Odessa, Chornomorsk and Yuzhny."

He stressed that "this agreement should be fully implemented because the year needs it to face the global food crisis."