Ukraine has delivered the largest tranche of corn to Malawi.

The Ukrainian aid is intended to overcome the food crisis in Malawi caused by prolonged drought due to the El Niño climate phenomenon, which resulted in the loss of about 44% of the local maize crop.

According to available estimates, 5.7 million Malawians, accounting for about a quarter of the population, are currently experiencing acute food shortages.

Ukraine has so far delivered a total of 19.2 thousand tons of corn to the draught affected  nation.

The agricultural products shipped by Ukraine will provide 1.55 million Malawians with food for 1 month. This is about a quarter of all the country's residents suffering from drought-induced hunger.

In his speech, the Ambassador of Ukraine Andrii Pravednyk noted that Ukraine is a reliable partner and friend of Malawi. The two countries share common views on fundamental issues of the international agenda, in particular respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as on ways to achieve a just peace in Ukraine based on the Peace Formula of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"I would like to thank the World Food Organization and representatives of the donor countries Sweden, the Netherlands, France and South Korea for their solidarity in supporting Malawi under the “Grain from Ukraine” program." said Pravednyk.

On behalf of the Government of Malawi, Mr. Chuck Kalemba, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Malawi for Emergency Situations, expressed gratitude to Ukraine and donor countries for the timely assistance that will help stabilize the food situation.

"On behalf of Malawi, I would like to appreciate Ukraine for this kind gesture, we know you are currently facing some challenges but despite all that you have decided to help our people. We are grateful for that" said Kalemba

He noted that the resilience of Ukrainians in the face of Russian aggression and it's commitment to ensuring global food security is an example for Malawi.

He also emphasized that Malawi would continue to support the principles of peace, solidarity and shared prosperity as opposed to wars that destroy the world order and pose challenges to global food security.

The Grain from Ukraine program, launched on the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on November 26, 2022, was presented during the first inaugural International Food Security Summit in Kyiv. As a result of the Summit, the Grain from Ukraine program has accumulated support in the amount of about USD 220 million.

On November 23 this year, the third Food Security Summit will be held in Kyiv to ensure the continued smooth functioning of the program aimed at ensuring global food security.