In a move to tackle food insecurity and strengthen bonds with Africa, Russian Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev announced on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, the delivery of 200,000 tons of grains to six African countries as part of a humanitarian aid initiative.
Committed to its pledges to Africa and its fight against food insecurity, Russia will dispatch 200,000 tons of cereals to these nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Somalia, and the Central African Republic, each set to receive a share of the aid.
Speaking at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Patrushev stated that the latest shipment was unloaded in Somalia on February 17th.
“As a result, 200,000 tons of cereals were sent almost simultaneously to the African continent. Thus, Mali, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, and Eritrea received 25,000 tons each, and we also delivered 50,000 tons to Somalia and the same amount to the Central African Republic,” he added.
Patrushev noted that “such a large-scale humanitarian action has been carried out by Russia for the first time.”
This Russian endeavor coincides with the country’s efforts to enhance trade relations with various international partners. With food exports reaching 150 countries, Russia maintains a policy focused on supporting friendly nations, with 90% of its food exports directed towards these allies.
In addition to this humanitarian gesture, Russian Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the significance of cereal trade for the Russian economy. In 2023, Russia achieved a record high by selling 66 million tons of grains abroad, generating revenues of $16.5 billion. Despite the global decline in wheat prices, Russia remains a dominant force in the world market, supplying cereals to countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, India, and China.
