In a significant move to promote trade and strengthen relations between Romania and Ukraine, Prime Ministers Marcel Ciolacu and Denys Shmyhal signed an agreement in Kyiv. The aim of this agreement is to ensure the safe transit of Ukrainian products through Romanian territory and collaborate on the development of border crossings between the two countries.

Prime Minister Ciolacu announced that Romania is committed to doubling its transit capacity for cereals from Ukraine by the end of 2023. This step has been described as a way to facilitate the transit of cereals while safeguarding the interests of Romanian farmers.

The agreement received the endorsement of the European Commission, which emphasized that this Memorandum of Understanding will further strengthen solidarity corridors between European countries. The Commission also highlighted the crucial role of Romania in managing solidarity corridors and its constructive engagement with all parties involved.

In addition to cereal trade, the agreement also outlines plans to improve border crossings between Ukraine and Romania. This step is designed to meet Ukraine’s immediate needs in terms of imports and exports, allowing for a closer connection to the European transportation network.

Between March 2022 and September 2023, over 51.5 million tons of cereals, oilseeds, and related products, along with more than 42 million tons of non-agricultural products such as minerals, iron, steel, and wood, have left Ukraine through solidarity corridors. This effort has enabled the export of approximately 60% of Ukrainian wheat since the onset of the conflict.