Moscow wants to see specific steps from its partners before restoring a grain transaction. This was stated at a briefing on Friday, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Vershinin, reports TASS.
At the same time, he noted that if the agreements are resumed, they will probably exist already in a new format.
“But the basis for contacts (with the UN Secretariat) was earlier – the implementation of Istanbul agreements. And if we want to recreate this basis in one form or another – most likely in a new form, then we need steps, specific results from our partners,” said Vershinin.
According to him, Moscow continues contacts with the UN according to the situation around the grain transaction. “We continue the contacts, of course, with the UN Secretariat and the Rinsee Grinspen – Secretary General Unctad (UN Conference on Trade and Development). These are high professionals, they work out their part of the instructions, and we continue these contacts,” he said.
Vershinin recalled that in March, “five problematic tasks” were formed, among which there was a restoration of the Togliatti -Odessa ammonia, the connection to SWIFT, defrosting foreign assets of Russian companies, the issue of insurance and visiting the ports of Russian courts. He said that Russia talked about the need for tangible progress, but “it did not follow.” “Today we say – we need results. Results, not a promise,” explained the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
According to the diplomat, Moscow highly appreciates the position and diplomatic initiatives of Ankara in the issue of grain transaction.
“I evaluate positively. Both on the Black Sea initiative and [on topics that concern] multilateral issues, I held a lot of consultations in both Moscow and Ankara, I want to say that I highly appreciate the potential, knowledge and professional skills of Turkish colleagues,” he said, answering the corresponding question.
Vershinin added that Moscow and Ankara “must inevitably continue communication in order to achieve the results that will benefit and Russia, Turkey, and regional stability.” “By and large, it will be a contribution to international stability,” he emphasized.