Ukraine, Poland agree on lifting restrictions on transit of freight cars

Ukraine and Poland have agreed on lifting restrictions on the transit of freight cars through Ukraine to Poland by rail as soon as possible.

The relevant decision was approved at a meeting of the delegations of Ukraine and Poland at the Ukrainian President’s Office, Ukrinform reports, referring to the president’s press service.

“On January 31, 2022, on the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, the meeting between Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov and Minister of Infrastructure of Poland Andrzej Adamczyk was held in the presence of Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the President of Poland, Head of the Bureau for International Policy Jakub Kumoch,” the report says.

Following the meeting, the text of the Joint Statement was approved. In particular, the parties agreed to lift restrictions on the transit of freight cars through Ukraine to Poland by rail as soon as possible.

“By February 4, 2022, the Ukrainian side will inform the Polish side about the specific dates for the resumption of transit of freight cars through the territory of Ukraine,” the document says.

In addition, the parties agreed to significantly increase the number of permits for international freight transportation, considering the needs of Ukrainian and Polish road carriers.

“By February 5, 2022, the parties must agree on the date of the meeting of the Joint Commission on International Road Transport, which should agree on the timing of transfer and the number of additional permits for international freight transportation,” the document says.

The parties also agreed to develop a joint action plan aimed at significantly improving the efficiency of international road checkpoints of the Republic of Poland and Ukraine. The relevant action plan must be agreed with the participation of representatives of customs, border and other services of Poland and Ukraine no later than the end of February 2022.

“The parties also noted the interest of Polish oil and gas companies PGNiG and PKN Orlen in investing in the Ukrainian oil and gas sector and agreed to facilitate their cooperation with NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine in this direction. For its part, KGHM has expressed its readiness to start negotiations on the joint development of non-ferrous metal deposits,” according to the president’s press service.

As Ukrinform reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was on an official visit to Poland on January 20-21.