OREANDA-NEWS  The CAR did not address Russia on the issue of gratuitous shipment of grain and fertilizers, Russian Ambassador to this country Alexander Bikantov told RIA Novosti.

"As for the grain issue in general, it reflects Bangui's long-term interest in partnership with Russia, and even before the cancellation of the grain deal, they expressed interest in cooperation in the broader agricultural sector," the ambassador said. He explained that "we are talking about Russian investments based on our know-how, expertise, finance and technology."

Answering the question about whether Russia agrees to send grain and fertilizers to Bangui for free, whether Moscow has been contacted, the ambassador said that "no, there have been no such appeals to us, there have been no requests from any companies."

The grain deal was suspended on July 18 of this year. Russia has notified Turkey, Ukraine and the UN of its objection to its extension. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier noted that the terms of the deal with Russia were not fulfilled, despite the efforts of the UN, because Western countries were not going to fulfill their promises. Putin has repeatedly pointed out that the West exported most of the Ukrainian grain to its states, and the main purpose of the deal - the supply of grain to countries in need, including African countries - was never realized.