Manama, Aug. 21 (BNA): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi,  Albert Shingiro.
 
The minister lauded friendly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Burundi, affirming the kingdom’s keenness to further develop bilateral cooperation in all fields in the interest of both countries and citizens.
 
For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Burundi highlighted joint cooperation between the two sides, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain continued progress and prosperity.
 
The ministers discussed enhancing joint cooperation in the political, economic and commercial fields. They also reviewed joint coordination at international forums.
 
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the two countries to further strengthen cooperation at the political and diplomatic levels. - Bahrain News Agency
AOQ

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for wealthier countries to help developing nations purchase Ukrainian grain as supplies begin returning to global markets. 

Guterres made appeal from the Black Sea port of Odesa on Friday as the global community marks the World Humanitarian Day.

Ships carrying grain have been leaving there under a recent UN-brokered agreement, and Guterres said Odesa was a symbol of what countries can achieve when they work together for the common good. 

Speaking to journalists, the UN chief revealed that it was a moving experience to be at the port, where he witnessed wheat being loaded onto a ship.

“It’s obviously a reason for joy,” he said. 

“But it is also emotional because of the sadness I feel looking into this wonderful harbour and looking into these terminals practically empty with the possibility that this harbour has to develop; that Ukraine and the whole region being cut off because of the war”.

The Odesa port had been paralyzed for months due to the war, which meant that “a critical transportation line from a global breadbasket was cut,” he said.

Things are changing under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the deal to unblock grain and fertilizer exports, signed barely a month ago by Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye and the UN.

Since then, 25 ships have departed from Odesa and other Ukrainian ports, and more are on the way, Guterres said, speaking alongside Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov.

The ships have transported over 600,000 tonnes of grain and food products, namely wheat, corn, sunflower oil, and soybeans.

“But each ship is also a vessel of hope,” he said.  “Hope for Ukrainian farmers finally rewarded for their harvest – with storage being freed up for more.

“Hope for seafarers and the larger shipping community, knowing that it is once again possible to sail through the Black Sea safely and efficiently.  And, most of all, hope for the world’s most vulnerable people and countries.”

The UN chief issued a special call to rich nations on behalf of vulnerable people everywhere who are bearing the brunt of the global food crisis.

“As these ports open, I appeal for wealthier countries to also open their wallets and their hearts. After all, the movement of grains doesn’t mean much to countries that cannot afford it,” he said.

“It is time for massive and generous support so developing countries can purchase the food from this and other ports – and people can buy it.

“Developing countries need access to financing now.  They need debt relief now.  They need resources to invest in their people now.”

The secretary-general also called for more action to ensure full global access to Ukrainian food products, and Russian food and fertiliser, through the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

While no one ever expected the agreement would equal “smooth sailing”, it is unprecedented both in scope and scale, he said, adding that there is still a long way to go.

Guterres explained that getting more food and fertilizer out of Ukraine and Russia is crucial to further calm commodity markets and lower prices.

“But let’s not forget that what we see here in Odesa is only the more visible part of the solution.

“The other part that is also important, that we have been defending, relates to the unimpeded access to the global markets of Russian food and fertilizer, which are not subject to sanctions,” he said.

It is important that all governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market, because “without fertiliser in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023,” he warned.

The secretary-general underlined his deep commitment to these objectives, which he said will only happen if all parties cooperate.

He stressed the need to continue efforts towards improving global food supply and stabilising markets, and to work for peace in line with the UN Charter and international law.

“Today, Odesa is more than just a shipping centre.  This port is a symbol of what the world can do when we commit to working together for the common good,” he said.

“The Ukrainian people has been suffering so much. They have witnessed so many deaths, so much destruction that it is legitimate to aspire for peace.

“But again, I repeat peace in line with the UN Charter, peace in line with international law.

“That is the best way to mark World Humanitarian Day and help set the course for a more just and peaceful world for all,” the UN chief said. NAN, Vanguard

US senator Chris Coons met separately Thursday with Kenya’s President-elect William Ruto, veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga and outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta amid uncertainty about recent election results. 

Coons, who is on a five-nation tour of Africa, met Odinga who challenged the Aug. 9 elections in which he lost to the deputy president.

“We held candid discussions on developments around our general election and bilateral relations with the Congressional delegation of the US Senate and House of Representatives. We reiterated our commitment to pursuing legal means to resolve issues around the election results,” Odinga wrote in a tweet. He has said that he is going to challenge the results in court.

Coons later met Ruto, who said talks centered on the elections and ties that would benefit both countries.

”The talks touched on the just concluded elections in the country and areas of cooperation between Kenya and United States. We commit to deepen relations and further partnership for the mutual benefit of the citizens of the two countries,” he tweeted.

Later, Coons commended Kenyatta, who made his first public appearance since the elections, for his leadership. “We are encouraged by the peace Kenya has continued to experience during this period,” he said.

Kenyatta said “the process of transition will be smooth” and his greatest desire is for peace to prevail.

Coons’ trip comes days after Ruto was declared Monday the winner of the elections amid a dispute.

Odinga, who was also hoping to take the mantle from Kenyatta, is headed to the Supreme Court to challenge the results.

Lawyer and political analyst George Kithi told Anadolu Agency that the possibility of a brokered power-sharing deal cannot be ruled out but right now all eyes are on the Supreme Court that will decide where to uphold Ruto’s win or call a new election.

“I think because it was done before, probably it can be done now,” he said.

Coons was among those who urged Kenyatta and Odinga to talk in 2017 following an election that was marred with irregularities.

Ruto, 55, was declared the fifth president of the East African nation after Ruto, 55, securing 7,176,141 votes. Odinga received 6,942,930 votes. - Andrew Wasike, Anadolu Agency