Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that Canada could help get grain from Ukraine to famine-prone regions of the world, if needed, now that the beleaguered country and Russia have signed deals to allow those exports.
Russia and Ukraine signed separate agreements on Friday in Istanbul, with Turkey and the United Nations, paving the way for the export of millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain, which the world desperately needs, but also grain and of Russian fertilizers.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Prince Edward Island on Friday morning, Mr. Trudeau, however, warned that Russia had so far shown only bad faith, adding that his confidence in this country was “almost nil”.
Trudeau said Canada was working with other countries and the UN to share its expertise in storing and shipping grain, and he said he was optimistic.
These Istanbul Accords could end a wartime stalemate that has threatened food security around the world.
Prime Minister Trudeau added Friday that Canada and its allies will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure that the agreements will not put Ukraine at risk of further invasion and attack by Russia.
The agreements signed on Friday in Turkey include provisions for the safe passage of ships. In particular, a control center will be created in Istanbul, which will be composed of UN, Turkish, Russian and Ukrainian officials, to lead and coordinate the process, Turkish officials said.
With the Associated Press