Map of Tripoli's port in lebanon. (Credit: NNA)
A Ukrainian ship carrying 7,000 tons of corn and 20,000 tons of vegetable oil arrived in Tripoli's port Monday morning, according to the state-run National News Agency.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted global food chains, but had a particular impact in crisis-ravaged Lebanon, which relies on Russia and Ukraine for its cereal imports.
The ship was received by Ukrainian Ambassador to Lebanon Ihor Ostash, the head of the port, Ahmad Tamer, and others. Tamer said the Ukrainian government has "proven that it stands by Lebanon during the economic crisis it is going through and that it cares about its food safety."
For his part, Ostash said the arrival of the ship is "proof of the tireless and unremitting Ukrainian efforts to help the Lebanese overcome the difficulties that every country in the Middle East currently faces in ensuring its food security."
He pointed a finger at "Russian aggression in Ukraine" as the main cause of food insecurity looming in the region. Ostash also said that Lebanon can expect many more ships, but didn't specify what kind of goods these ships would carry.
According to the Ukrainian ambassador, Lebanon has received at least five ships carrying Ukrainian produce since the Russian invasion, including shipments of wheat, grains, barley and corn.