Intervention by H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra
Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
at the Break-out Session (Food Security and Freedom of Navigation)
of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine
16 June 2024, 09.15 hrs.

Co-chairs,

Distinguished Participants,

1. As a former Executive Director of the World Food Programme said, "there is no food security without peace and no peace without food." This profound statement reflects the intertwined nature of these critical issues. The ongoing conflict has highlighted the fragility of our global food systems and the urgent need for peace to ensure food security for all.
2. Despite the geographical distance between Thailand and Ukraine, we share
   a special connection as key food exporters or “kitchens to the world”. This connection underscores the importance of our joint commitment to global food security.
3. Thailand fully supports all initiatives that contribute to global food security during crises, including the Black Sea Grain Initiative. We sincerely hope that the conflicting parties can put aside their differences and engage in constructive dialogue. In particular, we must work together to bring back the Black Sea Grain Initiative or other such constructive attempts to restore global food security. Our goal must be to prioritise global food security and to particularly respond to the needs of countries that rely on stable food supplies.

Excellencies, Distinguished Participants,

4. War leaves a long-lasting negative impact on agricultural land, a concern that Thailand takes very seriously. The degradation of agricultural land due to conflict not only diminishes immediate food production capabilities but also hampers long-term food security.
5. To address this, Thailand is exploring ways to support Ukraine in its capacity-building efforts aimed at reviving and restoring agricultural land. This support will be crucial in rebuilding a resilient agricultural sector in Ukraine and ensuring sustainable food production for future generations.
6. I thank you.

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