Food security, Moldova in focus at G7 foreign minister meeting

div classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodivpBy Alexander Ratz and John Irishp

pWEISSENHAUS, Germany Reuters – Foreign ministers from the G7 group of rich nations will discuss how to alleviate food security concerns when they meet in Germany on Friday as fears mount that the war between Russia and Ukraine could further destabilise Moldova.pdivdivdiv classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodiv

pThe annual meeting running until Saturday brings together top diplomats from Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan the United States and the European Union, to the Baltic Sea resort of Weissenhaus. p

pTalks are set to be dominated by Ukraine and how to manage the consequences of a conflict that could drag on for months, if not longer.p

pThe Ukrainian and Moldovan foreign ministers are also attending on Friday with the Wests most industralised nations set to reaffirm their support for the two countries. p

pThe war in Ukraine has sent global prices for grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer soaring, with United Nations agencies warning that the price hikes will worsen a food crisis in Africa in particular.p

pThe Russian invasion of Ukraine since February has disrupted shipping in the Black Sea, a major route for grains and other commodities, throttling exports from Ukraine and Russia.p

p“There are 25 million tonnes of grain currently blocked in the Ukrainian port of Odesa, which means food for millions of people in the world that is urgently needed, above all in African countries and in the Middle East,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters.p

p“That‘s why we’re sending a clear signal today: we see you, we hear you and we support you,” she said.p

pDiplomatic sources said the aim was for the seven countries to organise themselves better to find quick and efficient answers to the food crisis.p

pWhile U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will not make it due to catching COVID19, the remaining ministers will aim to reassure Ukraines neighbour Moldova.p

pIt is struggling to cope with the refugee flow from its neighbour, but incidents involving proRussian separatists in recent weeks in the Transdniestria breakaway region have raised international alarm that Russias war in Ukraine could spread over the frontier. p

p“The country has been weakened because of the war … so we need to confirm our support for Moldova,” a French diplomatic source told reporters.p

pIndonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Group of 20 Industrialised and Emerging Economies G20, which also includes Russia, is will also join the meeting on Friday to discuss food security.p

pA French official said the question of Russias presence at the heads of state meeting in November would be brought up. p

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pp Reporting by John Irish Editing by Alistair Bellp

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