WARSAW: Talks with Ukraine about grain imports are on track, the Polish agriculture minister said on Wednesday, following a dispute between the two countries over Warsaw’s decision to extend a ban.
The rift between Kyiv and Warsaw escalated when Poland, alongside Hungary and Slovakia, opted to extend the ban initially implemented to shield farmers from an upsurge in grain and food imports from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country.
Despite the strained relations, the Polish government, historically a steadfast ally of Kyiv, faces additional pressures from the far right to adopt a more robust position on Ukraine, particularly in light of the upcoming October 15 elections.
Expressing optimism about future engagements, Polish Minister Robert Telus stated during a news conference, held after an online meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Mykola Solsky, “I am pleased that we are focusing on the future, establishing frameworks for the times ahead, and mitigating certain emotions that have been unproductive. This, I believe, is a positive trajectory.”
Telus reaffirmed Warsaw’s stance, emphasizing the withdrawal of Ukraine’s complaint against Poland lodged at the World Trade Organization. “The Ukrainian minister has expressed willingness to discuss this matter with the economy minister in Ukraine with regard to withdrawing the complaint,” Telus added.
Furthermore, Telus disclosed that Poland is in the final stages of negotiations with Lithuania.
