Ukraine, Slovakia agree on bilateral talks involving agricultural associations

MOSCOW. April 12 (Interfax) - Slovak Agriculture Minister Richard Takac and his Ukrainian counterpart Nikolai Solsky have agreed to discuss trade in agricultural products with the participation of agricultural associations, Ukrainian media said, citing the Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry's press service.

"Slovakia has agreed to negotiations on trade in agricultural products in the same format as we have had with Poland, i.e. with the participation of agricultural associations. The talks will be held in Kosice in May," the ministry said.

"Takac, Solsky and their team have sorted out the primary sensitive issue of agricultural imports from Ukraine," media quoted a statement by the Slovak Agriculture Ministry's press service on a social network.

Takac said that agricultural exports from Ukraine should continue to reach third countries through Slovakia but added that Ukrainian agricultural products should not put the Slovak domestic market, including farmers and food manufacturers, at risk.

According to the Slovak ministry, the sides agreed to continue the social dialogue and constructive bilateral meetings in order to draft and sign a memorandum of cooperation in agriculture, food and forestry.