WASHINGTON

The head of the UN will leave New York for Istanbul later Thursday, deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said one week after a meeting tackled Ukraine’s grain export.

Antonio Guterres "will travel to Istanbul, Türkiye this evening, as part of his efforts to ensure full global access to Ukraine's food products, and Russian food and fertilizer," Haq said at a news conference.

The visit comes after a meeting last week where Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian and UN officials agreed to establish a coordination center in Istanbul to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports.

Tons of Ukrainian grain are stuck because of the Russia-Ukraine war that is in its fifth month, causing global shortages and price hikes. Russia, which is accused of using food as a weapon, said Western sanctions are to blame for the food shortages.​​​​​​​

Haq said the UN wants to have an agreement that would allow Ukrainian and Russian food and fertilizer to reach global markets.

"People are still dying. It is still raging. But the hopeful news from Istanbul shows the importance of dialogue," he added.