Polish-Ukrainian dialogue

Minister Siekierski thanked Ambassador Vasyl Zvarych for his support in contacts between the Ministries of Agriculture of Poland and Ukraine. He stressed that Ukraine was our strategic partner and we wanted to conduct constructive dialogue so as to solve the emerging problems. Since the establishment of the new government in Poland, Minister Siekierski has already met twice with the Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Solskyi.

Ambassador Zvarych congratulated Czesław Siekierski on having taken the position as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and wished him much success.

Mutually beneficial cooperation

Ambassador Vasyl Zvarych expressed hope for cooperation that would bring benefits both to Poland and Ukraine. He stated that the agri-food sector was a very important part of the Ukrainian economy and profits from the agricultural export made a significant contribution to the state budget, heavily burdened by the ongoing war. Currently, a large part of Ukrainian cereals is exported through the Black Sea, but we should expect attacks from Russia.

Minister Siekierski stated that trade relations with Ukraine should be arranged in such a way as to support Ukraine on the one hand, and on the other hand not to disturb the market balance in the neighbouring countries, including Poland. He expressed his hope that the working meetings of the team of experts from both countries, which were already held, would enable the development of a mechanism for licensing the Ukrainian export to Poland. The first meeting of the team was held online on 25 January 2024, another one is scheduled for this week.

European aspirations of Ukraine

During the meeting, the European aspirations of Ukraine were also discussed. Poland is ready to share with the Ukrainian officials its knowledge and experience in preparing the Ministry of Agriculture for accession to the European Union.