IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said:

“I deeply regret to learn of the disruption to the Black Sea Initiative. The unimpeded flow of shipping around the globe is of critical importance and central to the work of the IMO. The movement of ships through the Black Sea Initiative and its impact in getting food to those who need it most, as well as stabilizing world food prices, is proof that shipping must always continue to move. IMO remains ready to support the UN’s efforts to find pathways for solutions to preserve the global supply chain and food security.”