Istanbul, Turkey (CNN)-- Russia and Ukraine signed, Friday, in the Turkish city of Istanbul, a "grain corridor" agreement, under the auspices of the United Nations, to start shipping Ukrainian grain stuck in ports through the Black Sea, after the Russian war on Ukraine caused a grain crisis on the country. world level.

At the signing ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said there was now a "beacon of hope" thanks to the deal that would allow Ukrainian grain to be exported through the Black Sea, after months of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia brokered by Turkey and the United Nations.

"Today, there is a beacon on the Black Sea. A beacon of hope, a beacon of possibility, a beacon of relief, in a world that needs it more than ever," he added. "Promoting the well-being of humanity has been the driving force of these talks," he continued.

"The question was not what was good for one side or the other," Guterres explained. "The focus was on what was most important to the people of our world. Without a doubt, this is an agreement for the world."

Guterres said the agreement would relieve pressure on developing countries and help stabilize global food prices, "which were already at record levels even before the war, which is a real nightmare for developing countries."

"We count on the Turkish government to maintain its vital role moving forward," he added, adding that the United Nations would remain "closely engaged in working towards the success of the agreement."

Guterres urged "all parties to spare no effort to implement their commitments." "We must also spare no effort for peace," he said. He added, "This is an unprecedented agreement between two parties involved in a bloody conflict. But this conflict continues. People are dying every day and the fighting is raging every day."

He continued by saying, "The beacon of hope on the Black Sea is shining today thanks to the collective efforts of many. In these difficult and turbulent times for the region and the world, let this beacon guide the way towards alleviating human suffering and securing peace."