Polish-Latvian talks
07.07.2023
Mr. Robert Telus, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, met with Mr. Didzis Šmits, Minister of Agriculture of Latvia. The Ministers talked about the measures to be taken to address the disturbances on the agricultural markets which had been caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the excessive imports of agricultural products from Ukraine.
Crucial issues
The Ministers agreed that it was crucial to resolve the current, difficult situation and to improve the transit of products from Ukraine and that it was necessary to invest in road and railway infrastructure and to better improve the Baltic ports.
In light of the future accession of Ukraine to the European Union, it is most important to work out systemic solutions and effective tools for the future in order to ensure fair terms of competition and food security.
The position of Poland
“The problem of agri-food imports from Ukraine is more complex and it cannot be solved by only extending the preventive measures on four cereals after 15 September 2023. Genuine European solidarity, cooperation and the development of long-term tools at EU level are needed to ensure that farmers in the countries of our region can compete on fair terms with Ukrainian producers,” Minister Robert Telus stressed.
Prospects for cooperation
Latvia expressed its interest in investment cooperation with Poland in the milk and cereal processing sector.
“Poland is a natural partner for the Baltic States and we look forward to joint ventures with benefits for our companies and our countries,” Minister Dzidzis Šmits assured.
