Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow can send free grain to African countries if these conditions are not met on the issue of further expansion of the Black Sea Grain Agreement.
Speaking at the Russia-Africa Parliamentary Conference in Moscow, Putin said grain exports under the Black Sea Agreement unfairly favored “European markets” over African countries, and that the agreement was on Russia’s terms. Renewal is in the interests of the continent.
Putin said that if the agreement was not renewed, Moscow would, without explanation "Exports under the Grains Agreement have so far been channeled through trade agreements.
While China, Spain and Turkey are the main grain destinations under the deal, African countries have benefited indirectly as increased supply has helped lower global grain prices.