Belarus in UN: Sanctions are one of major threats to global food security

A representative of the Republic of Belarus spoke at the plenary session of the UN Food Systems Summit +2 in Rome, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Despite the unprecedented sanctions pressure, which Belarus faced after 2020, our country continues to be a stable supplier of food. For example, in 2022 we not only increased the output but also significantly expanded the geography of supplies," Belarus’ representative said. “Last year Belarus exported $8.3 billion worth of agro-food products. Belarus remains one of the largest exporters of dairy products, poultry meat, rapeseed oil, many other goods and fertilizers," he said.

Belarus has repeatedly emphasized the negative consequences for the entire international community of the unilateral coercive measures that a number of states impose in violation of the United Nations Charter against their political opponents.

"The latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report shows a bleak picture," Belarus’ representative said. “The number of hungry people in the world is practically not decreasing. Almost 30% of the world's population faces moderate to severe food insecurity".

Sanctions are one of major threats to global food security. FAO, the World Bank and many other authoritative organizations draw attention to the fact that sanctions against Belarusian fertilizers were one of the reasons for the price increase.

Belarus believes that the time has come for active actions and responsible political decisions.

 "We should finally recognize that we are living in a period of global transformation, which is characterized by a lack of trust and predictability. This is the result of serious disagreements, primarily between major powers, on security issues," the Belarusian representative said. “In the current circumstances, it is important to ensure the sustainability of commodity supply chains for food and fertilizers, to exclude the use of sanctions and other trade restrictions and barriers. Incidentally, this was emphasized at the recent 43rd session of the FAO Conference, and it is from this that we need to build on when developing measures to maintain and develop food systems.”