Ukraine, Moldova plan to cooperate in boosting Ukrainian agricultural exports

MOSCOW. Oct 13 (Interfax) - The transit to the Reni and Giurgiulesti ports is the main delivery route for Ukrainian grain and has vast potential, and support from Moldova and Romania is therefore important to Ukraine as it looks for solutions to the agricultural export issue, Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Nikolai Solsky said.

"The systemic work with Moldova and Romania regarding the export of Ukrainian agricultural products is an example of high-quality cooperation. There are plans to increase transit to the Danube and Romanian ports. Much more needs to be done for that. Currently, 2.4-2.5 mln tonnes are transported per month. The role of Moldova is very important here," Ukrainian media quoted Solsky as saying in an online speech at the Supporting Ukrainian Exports Through Solidarity Lanes 2nd international trade promotion forum in Chisinau on Thursday.

Constructive relations have developed between Ukraine and Moldova, and all issues related to the further functioning of the Solidarity Lanes are being tackled jointly, he said, referring, in particular, to steps to increase the transit of agricultural products by the Moldovan railway toward the ports of Reni and Giurgiulesti and to simplify checks on the borders with Moldova and Romania.

Moldovan Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Vladimir Bolea, for his part, said that supporting the Solidarity Lanes is a priority for Moldova. Bolea confirmed the intention to increase the capacity of the Giurgiulesti port and optimize the traffic flow. The Moldovan minister also declared solidarity with Ukraine and pledged further support.