Kiev expecting Poland to lift restrictions on Ukrainian farmers
MOSCOW. Jan 23 (Interfax) - Kiev is expecting Warsaw to take steps to lift restrictions on Ukrainian farmers, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said.
"As of today, the issue has been resolved, the border has been unblocked and joint work is yielding results," Ukrainian media quoted Shmygal as saying at a press briefing with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Kiev on Monday.
Ukraine has proposed agricultural export verification mechanisms in line with the European Commission's decision, he said.
Tusk, in turn, said that the suspension of the border blockade and the introduction of certain mechanisms for Polish haulers who return with empty trucks from Ukraine helped resolve this issue.
Poland will assess the verification mechanisms proposed by Ukraine and will find a way out that will suit farmers in both countries, Tusk said.
Shmygal also invited Poland to help build a Krakovets-Lvov-Brody-Rovno motorway, adding that it will be the continuation of Poland's longest motorway, A4, which is part of the E40 European route.
Polish businesses could join this construction on concessional terms, he said.
Tusk, for his part, described the invitation for Polish investors to participation in the motorway construction project on concessional terms as very interesting.
Shmygal and Tusk also discussed efforts to build four new crossings on the two countries' border.
"Our governments remain committed to developing border infrastructure and logistics. We are keen to introduce joint border and customs control, customs database sharing and to continue upgrading the border crossings," the Ukrainian prime minister said.
He called on Poland to help secure the European Council's approval for the Ukraine Facility, launch talks on Ukraine's accession to the European Union, as well as decisions on Ukraine's NATO membership.
Tusk, in turn, invited Shmygal to visit Poland to attend intergovernmental consultations. Their resumption will allow the sides to "avoid any tensions," he said.
