Russia’s exclusion from the Group of 20 (G20) economies and other international organizations would slow down efforts to address the global food crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, the Reuters news agency quoted Reuters as saying. Welthungerhilfe (WHH).
Matthias Mogge, chief executive of the organization, which helps 14.3 million people in 35 countries, said it was crucial to keep in touch with Russia, one of the world’s largest grain producers, to deal with the crisis.
“Of course, Russia is the aggressor in this case, sanctions are needed and all that. “However, in a humanitarian situation like the one we are facing today, it is essential that open channels of communication continue to exist.”
His remarks came just 24 hours after US President Joe Biden spoke out in favor of ousting Russia from the G20, an idea also backed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trindade and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Many observers, however, find this unlikely to happen without the consent of India, China and several other countries in the group.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 sent food prices around the world and caused shortages of basic foodstuffs in Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, according to the UN.
The war in Ukraine, which the Russian government calls a “special military operation,” has drastically reduced exports from both countries, which together account for about 25 percent of wheat exports and 16 percent of corn exports. Prices of these raw materials have risen sharply in international markets.
Matthias Moge said he expects G7 leaders to tackle the problem at their next meetings.
Russia, which was still a member of the then G8 when the most recent food security crisis erupted in 2007-2008, played a constructive role in reducing global hunger, Mogge said.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
