April 8, 2011

Russia to supply grain to Jordan

Russia will supply grain to Jordan to compensate for the shortfall that resulted from a drought induced grain export embargo imposed last year, said Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

"I want to assure you that we'll do our best to remedy the situation on the grain market to make up for the deliveries in coming years and restore the country's image as a reliable partner," Putin said at a meeting with King of Jordan Abdullah II.

A prolonged heat-wave and drought in summer 2010 cut Russia's grain production by 36% and forced the government to ban wheat, corn, barley, rye and flour exports for the first time in the post-Soviet period. The embargo was initially in force until December 2010, but was later extended to June 30, 2011.

The Russian authorities are considering extending the ban until the end of this year.

In turn, Abdullah II said Jordan was ready to cooperate with Russia in many spheres, from tourism to nuclear power.

"For Russian business, there are many areas for mutual cooperation: nuclear power engineering, various infrastructure projects," Abdullah II said.