Ukraine Sends First Food Aid to Syria
Ukraine Sends First Food Aid to Syria
Ukraine, a major global grain and oilseed producer and exporter, has sent its first food aid shipment to Syria. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on December 27, 2024, that 500 metric tons of wheat flour were dispatched to Syria as part of the "Grain from Ukraine" humanitarian initiative, carried out in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Programme.
\nThe wheat flour is scheduled to be distributed over the coming weeks to 33,250 families, or approximately 167,000 people. Each package weighs 15 kilograms and has the capacity to meet a five-person family's food needs for one month. In a post on social media platform X, Zelenskiy stated, "As we promised, we are supporting the Syrian people in their time of need."
\nFollowing the end of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria in December 2024, Ukraine announced its intention to reestablish relations with the country. Under Assad's rule, Syria had sourced much of its food needs from Russia. However, due to uncertainty around the new government and payment delays, Russian wheat shipments to Syria have been suspended.
\nUkraine traditionally exports wheat and corn to Middle Eastern countries, but Syria had not been among them. Russia's invasion in February 2022 had severely reduced Ukraine's exports through the Black Sea. Nevertheless, Ukraine has managed to break the de facto naval blockade by resuming shipments from its southern port of Odesa.
\nUkrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Syria's new de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on December 30, 2024. The meeting emphasized that Ukraine would send additional food aid to Syria and that strategic partnerships would be established between the two countries in political, economic, social, and scientific fields.
\nUkrainian Agriculture Policy and Food Minister Vitaliy Koval also participated in these discussions, reiterating Ukraine's commitment to contributing to Syria's food security. Ukraine plans to make additional wheat flour shipments to Syria under the "Grain from Ukraine" programme.
\nSyria's new Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani stated that they aim to establish strategic partnerships with Ukraine in political, economic, social, and scientific fields. He also noted that the Syrian and Ukrainian peoples share similar experiences and suffering.
\n\nUkrainian President Zelenskiy expressed the view that helping Syria would also contribute to restoring Ukraine's own stability. Zelenskiy said, "We can help restore stability in Syria, and this will certainly assist us in re-establishing our own peace."
\nWhile Syria's new administration stated that they continue to share strategic interests with Russia, the future of Russia's military bases in Syria remains uncertain. Russia is engaged in negotiations with Syria's new government regarding the status of its military facilities.
\nThis first food aid shipment from Ukraine to Syria is being viewed as an important step toward reestablishing diplomatic relations between the two countries and strengthening cooperation. Ukraine aims to contribute to restoring stability in Syria while creating a positive foundation for its own national security and regional stability.
\nKey Points:
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Ukraine sent 500 metric tons of wheat flour to Syria under the "Grain from Ukraine" programme.Reuters
\n This aid will be distributed to 33,250 families, or approximately 167,000 people.Reuters
\n Syria's new administration aims to establish strategic partnerships with Ukraine.Reuters
\n Ukraine plans to send additional food aid to Syria.Reuters
\n The future of Russia's military bases in Syria remains uncertain.Reuters
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\nNews Link: https://gcaptain.com/ukraine-sends-its-first-batch-of-food-aid-to-syria/
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