30 Jun 2022 13:25

All efforts must be made to ensure unhindered grain export from Ukraine - Indonesian president

MOSCOW. June 30 (Interfax) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo has underscored the need for security guarantees to ensure the export of grain via the Ukrainian seaports.

"All efforts must be made to ensure further unhindered grain exports from Ukraine with security guarantees for all sides concerned in order to ensure export via the Ukrainian seaports. I support these efforts," the Ukrainian media quoted Widodo as saying at a press conference after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelensky in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on Wednesday signed an intergovernmental agreement to cancel visas for short-term trips, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press service said.

The agreement will give Ukrainian citizens a 30-day visa-free period during each visit to Indonesia, and a 30-day visa-free period over 60 days for Indonesian citizens arriving in Ukraine.

Since 2016, Ukrainian citizens have been able to visit Indonesia without visas for 30 days using their international passports in line with the Indonesian side's unilateral decision if the purpose of their trip is transit, tourism, a visit to family or friends, a business trip, or participation in cultural/ academic exchanges. Under the current rules, citizens of Indonesia are required to receive electronic visas before traveling to Ukraine.

The new agreement introduces mutual visa-free travel for all categories of Ukrainian and Indonesian citizens on a permanent basis. The document will enter into force after all interstate procedures are finalized.