Blinken says emphasizes grain deal importance in talks in China

BEIJING, Jun 19 (PRIME) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed food security during a meeting with Chinese officials and emphasized the necessity to prolong the Black Sea Grain Initiative, he said on Monday.

Blinken said that China could play a crucial role in easing the global food security problem. He emphasized the importance of a long-term prolongation of the grain initiative.

Russia earlier demanded access of its food and fertilizers to the global market, reconnection of Russian Agricultural Bank to SWIFT, resumption of supplies of agricultural machines, components and services, and operation of the Tolyatti–Odessa ammonia pipeline. The measures were included into the package of the grain deal.

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