UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Wednesday, a UN spokesman said.
"The secretary-general has just arrived in Poland on his way to Ukraine," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Guterres and Zelensky will discuss the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in all its aspects, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement.
On July 22, 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkey and the United Nations on grain and fertiliser exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
The deal, due to expire on November 19, 2022, was extended for another 120 days. Guterres has repeatedly called for the deal's further extension.
While in Kiev, Guterres will also talk with Zelensky about "other pertinent issues", Dujarric said in the statement, noting that it is the UN chief's third visit to Ukraine in the past year.
Guterres will be back to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday, according to the statement.
Later at a noon press briefing Tuesday, Guterres' deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said the UN chief "is currently in Ukraine", making his way to Kiev.
There's no visit to Moscow planned, Haq said, pointing out that prior to leaving New York, Guterres had a conversation with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin.
"And from the secretary-general's standpoint, he's willing to go wherever he's needed and whenever it's useful. But, of course, we'll see how that develops," he said.
A delegation from Russia is expected to be in Geneva next week for further discussions, said Haq, adding that "so those will be conducted at a high level there concerning the Black Sea Grain Initiative."
"I think we are engaged in serious discussions and we'll continue to do so," he said. "And I think it should be clear to all participants the advantages, the very real advantages in continuing this initiative."
Under the initiative, more than 20 million metric tons of foodstuffs have been safely reconnected to global supply chains on more than 700 ships, helping to bring down prices around the world, Guterres told a UN Security Council high-level meeting on Ukraine on February 24.
"I want to underscore the importance of all parties remaining engaged in this initiative, and reiterate our call for it to be extended beyond March 2023," he then said.
Govt targets to make Tripura self-reliant in fish production: Minister Sudhangshu Das
The state fishery minister Sudhangshu Das on Tuesday said that the government has targeted to make the state self-reliant in fish production and accordingly the government has taken multifaceted initiative to boost fish production in the state.
Tourism to bring alternative economy for Tripura: Sushanta in Assembly
The state tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Tuesday said that the tourism sector in the state will be the backbone of the alternative economy in the coming days. Economic and social development of the local people will be achieved through this industry, he added.
Rs. 24.46 Cr provides as aid to flood-affected farmers: Ratan
In response to an unstarred question by MLA Sudeep Sarkar, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath revealed comprehensive details about the arrangements made by the Farmers Welfare Department to assist flood-affected farmers in the state.
Infra development of Rs 1000 Crore for rural schools underway: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today informed that for the development of educational infrastructure in rural areas, works amounting to approximately Rs 1000 crore are underway under various schemes.
5,520 drug users receive treatment, 612 recovers: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today informed that as of January 2025, a total of 5,520 injection drug users have received services from Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centers. Of these, 612 have completed treatment and returned to the mainstream of healthy, normal lives.
Pradyot slams Yunus’s statement on NE, urges Centre to take firm stance
Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the Royal Scion and founder of the Tipra Motha Party, strongly condemned a recent remark by Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's Chief Advisor, regarding the Northeast Indian states, urging India to take a firm stance in response.
95 percent of Agartala Smart City works completed: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today informed that almost 95 percent of the work under Agartala Smart City Limited has already been completed and remaining works are expected to be completed by May 2025.
More relief, medical supplies: India continues humanitarian aid to Myanmar
In a heartwarming gesture, Myo Aung, the Chief Minister of Mandalay, visited the facility, witnessing first hand the compassionate care being extended. The Indian Army shared this on X on Tuesday with a few photos.