Deputy Minister Romanowski stressed Poland's great commitment in providing help to Ukraine. He added that since the beginning of the armed conflict, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MRiRW) has been conducting an intensive dialogue, at the highest level, with the Ukrainian side. He referred, inter alia, to the meeting organised by the MRiRW on 16 May this year, during which the Ministers of Agriculture of Poland and Ukraine signed a Joint Statement providing, inter alia, for common actions to facilitate the transport of agricultural goods from Ukraine.

Assistance in transporting Ukrainian agricultural products

Deputy Minister Rafał Romanowski pointed out that enabling the Ukrainian side to export grain to customers all over the world using alternative, to the sea transport used so far, channels is of particular importance now. Due to the Russian army's blockade of ports on the Black and Azov Seas, the number of goods crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border has increased exponentially. He explained that Poland has introduced a number of facilitations regarding border control of Ukrainian agricultural goods, and inspections subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development are making every effort to speed up the handling of transports that cross the Polish-Ukrainian border.

Prospects for cooperation between the Ministry and the EBRD

Susan Goeransson expressed her interest in working with the MRiRW to assist Ukraine. She informed about the financial resources available for this country and the states directly involved in the various assistance for Ukraine. She explained that the EBRD is ready to contribute to projects that would increase opportunities for agricultural exports from Ukraine. The Bank's representatives further reported that talks are also underway with other ministries, including the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Rafał Romanowski declared his readiness for dialogue and cooperation with the EBRD in counteracting the challenges of the war in Ukraine.