22nd September 2023 – (Hong Kong) In a crucial development, the Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Mykola Solskyi engaged in a productive phone conversation with his Polish counterpart Robert Telus. The aim of the conversation was to address the ongoing grain exports issue between Ukraine and Poland. The Ukrainian government’s press service confirmed this significant exchange on Thursday, highlighting the commitment of both ministers to finding a mutually beneficial solution.
During the conversation, Minister Solskyi and Minister Telus shared their perspectives on Ukraine’s proposed resolution to the grain dispute and expressed their intention to reach a resolution that encompasses the interests of both nations. It was agreed that the Polish side would thoroughly examine Ukraine’s export plan and provide its own suggestions for consideration.
The upcoming days will witness the continuation of talks between the two sides, indicating a proactive approach towards resolving the matter at hand.
Earlier on the same day, the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency reported a positive development between Ukraine and Slovakia. The two countries reached an agreement to establish a licensing system for Ukraine’s agricultural products, effectively replacing the extension of the export ban previously imposed.
However, despite the European Commission’s decision to lift the ban on Ukraine’s grain exports from 15th September, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia announced their intent to maintain the embargo. This development has added significance to the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Poland, as they strive to address the concerns surrounding grain exports.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasised that Ukraine has taken proactive steps by submitting an action plan to the European Commission. The plan outlines measures to effectively control the export of four specific groups of agricultural produce, aiming to prevent any potential market distortions in neighbouring EU member states.