Cooperation with Ukraine has historical dimension, grain dispute will not destroy it – Duda
Relations between Ukraine and Poland have a historical dimension, and the dispute over Ukrainian grain exports will not significantly affect them.
This statement was made by Polish President Andrzej Duda during a speech in Poznan at the Common Future congress on rebuilding Ukraine.
He noted that the assistance of Poles and Polish businesses to Ukraine during a full-scale war is “a huge capital of human ties between our countries and peoples.
– For me, cooperation and support for Ukraine have a historical dimension. I am saying this quite seriously – a historical dimension for our peoples, countries… I do not believe that one political and legal dispute can cross out the capital we have created,” Duda emphasized.
He added that recent events and the exchange of statements between Kyiv and Warsaw could have caused concern for many. At the same time, the Polish leader called the grain dispute a small fragment of relations between the two countries.
– “I have no doubt that the dispute over grain supplies from Ukraine to the Polish market is an absolutely small part of the entire Polish-Ukrainian relationship. And I do not believe that under normal circumstances it can significantly affect them. This is an issue that we simply have to resolve between ourselves,” Duda said.
Prezydent @AndrzejDuda podczas Kongresu Odbudowy Ukrainy COMMON FUTURE: Dla mnie współpraca i wsparcie dla Ukrainy ma wymiar dziejowy pomiędzy naszymi narodami i krajami. Nie wierzę w to, ze jeden spór polityczno-prawny może przekreślić cały ten dorobek.
Nie mam wątpliwości, że… pic.twitter.com/Y4CcI3pnjt
— Kancelaria Prezydenta (@prezydentpl) September 22, 2023
The President of Poland clarified that some “unpleasant, sometimes painful statements” should be taken from the “human side.” After all, this is happening during Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns, when Ukrainian soldiers are dying at the front every day.
Duda called on Polish business to actively participate in the rebuilding of our country. According to the politician, “a rebuilt and integrated Ukraine” will play an important role in the European future.
– We can support Ukraine by helping to raise the country from the ruins of war. I see a huge role for Polish entrepreneurs in this,” Duda said.
During his speech, the President of Poland emphasized that Ukraine must win the war and drive the occupiers from its territories.
What is known about the grain dispute
In early May, the European Commission imposed an embargo on imports of Ukrainian grain (sunflower seeds, corn, rapeseed, and wheat) to five countries: Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary. These restrictions were in effect until September 15, after which Brussels decided not to extend them.
However, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary announced that they would extend the embargo unilaterally.
In response, Ukraine decided to file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization against these three countries. At the same time, Kyiv offered the EU and its neighbors a compromise on imports of Ukrainian grain.
Subsequently, Ukraine and Poland agreed to find a solution that takes into account the interests of both countries.
Source: PAP
