By KYIV. Nov 14 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Despite a missile strike on one of the ships in Odesa port, the sea corridor is working, but such precedents affect the cost of freight and the willingness of participants in the global grain market to work with Ukraine, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykola Solsky said.
“First of all, it (the sea corridor) is functioning. Secondly, this is a bad precedent that affects the cost of freight, the willingness of traders and other participants in the grain market in Ukraine and outside Ukraine, who buy grain from us, to work with Ukraine,” he said.
Solsky also noted that no one ruled out such a scenario: both traders and ship owners. The minister recalled that when the first missiles hit the ports of Izmail and Reni, there was also some concern. However, later everyone learned to work in such conditions.
“Both Reni and Izmail have constantly faced with such problems from time to time for the last few months. Therefore, we understand that Odesa and Odesa ports need to be protected. No one stopped. Everyone continues to do this (export and port protection). Processes are improving day by day,” Solsky noted and assured that Ukraine will continue to export food to world markets.
Commenting on the blockade of the Ukrainian-Polish border by Polish carriers, the minister emphasized that this problem is significant and has consequences for both Ukraine and Poland. However, in his opinion, it is not worth talking about the development of the crisis for now.
“If it (the problem) is not solved, then it will develop in a bad direction, it may get out of control and create a more significant problem,” he said.
The minister said that negotiations between Ukraine and Poland continue every day at all levels, from the ambassador to the leadership of the two countries.
Solsky advised to understand that behind the blockade there is a small number of carriers, which are represented by one association. The problem is not created by the Polish government. At the same time, other Polish carrier associations have a different opinion. In democratic Poland there is a pluralism of opinions, the minister recalled.
