Russian authorities have detained two Egyptian ships loaded with wheat destined for export to Egypt because they lack the proper documents. The ships have been prevented from sailing and are currently held in Russian ports.
Ali Moselhi, the Egyptian Minister of Supply, explained that the two ships were scheduled to head to Egyptian ports by the end of last March, according to a tender held in January. He noted that the Egyptian government is awaiting a response from the Russian embassy regarding the incident.
Moselhi stated that the Egyptian government will decide what to do with the shipments once it receives a response from Russia regarding the ships named “Wadi El Malek” and “Wadi Safaga.”
Despite sanctions, Russia has provided Egypt with a significant quantity of wheat in recent months. Russia had previously committed to supplying wheat to African countries and other nations.
Russian exports to Africa have seen a significant uptick, particularly in the sectors of oil products and grain. The shift in trade dynamics follows Western sanctions imposed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, prompting Russia to seek alternative markets for its exports. Since the EU embargo on most Russian oil products came into force in February 2023, Russian refined product exports to Africa have surged 14-fold, with countries like Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco, Libya, and Egypt experiencing massive increases in imports. This redirection of trade has been part of a broader Russian strategy to mitigate the impact of sanctions by fostering closer ties with African nations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s diplomatic engagements and the activities of Russian mercenaries and energy companies in Africa underscore this strategic pivot.
Additionally, at the Russia-Africa Summit in St Petersburg, President Vladimir Putin promised that Russia would continue to export grain to Africa, including some free shipments, despite sanctions. This commitment highlights Russia’s role as a reliable food supplier to the continent, with exports in 2022 totaling 4.7 billion dollars. The trade turnover between Russia and African countries increased by almost 35% in the first half of 2023, despite challenges posed by international sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic. This growth in trade is indicative of the strengthening relations between Russia and Africa, as both sides seek to enhance their economic and political partnerships amidst global geopolitical shifts.
