UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres wrote this week to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with a set of “concrete proposals” to revive the lapsed Black Sea grain deal.
The initiative, brokered by the UN and Turkey, ensured the safe passage of grain from Ukraine via the Black Sea. But Moscow withdrew from the agreement last month, citing the world body's non-compliance with provisions aimed at easing Russia's exports of agricultural products and fertiliser.
Mr Guterres told reporters the new proposal takes Russia's concerns into consideration.
“We've presented a set of concrete proposals … I believe we presented a proposal that could be the basis for a renewal,” he said.
He added any new deal must be “stable” and not subject to suspensions and pull-outs.
“We need to have something that works and that works to the benefit of everybody,” Mr Guterres said.
The letter comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to visit Russia as soon as next week to discuss the lapsed deal with President Vladimir Putin.
Mr Erdogan will visit the Russian city of Sochi for talks about the looming global “food crisis” soon, a spokesman for Mr Erdogan's ruling party said on Monday.
Since Russia withdrew from the deal, Ukraine's ports have come under attack, with Moscow warning it considers any ships in the vital waterway as potential military targets.
Kyiv has also attacked Russian targets around the Black Sea.
Russia on Wednesday said it would set out its own alternative to the Black Sea grain deal.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Family reunited
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was born and raised in Tehran and studied English literature before working as a translator in the relief effort for the Japanese International Co-operation Agency in 2003.
She moved to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies before moving to the World Health Organisation as a communications officer.
She came to the UK in 2007 after securing a scholarship at London Metropolitan University to study a master's in communication management and met her future husband through mutual friends a month later.
The couple were married in August 2009 in Winchester and their daughter was born in June 2014.
She was held in her native country a year later.
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 640hp
Torque: 760nm
On sale: 2026
Price: Not announced yet
Major matches on Manic Monday
Andy Murray (GBR) v Benoit Paire (FRA)
Grigor Dimitrov (BGR) v Roger Federer (SUI)
Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Gilles Muller (LUX)
Adrian Mannarino (FRA) Novak Djokovic (SRB)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
if you go
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