More than 50 members of the World Trade Organization expressed solidarity with Ukraine and promised help and support, in particular, in the cultivation and export of agricultural products, as well as in the reconstruction of the country after the war.

This is stated in a joint statement adopted at the XII Ministerial Conference of the WTO, which is taking place in Geneva..

" We express our deep sadness at the enormous loss of life and deep suffering, In doing so, we reiterate our support for the UN General Assembly resolutions of March 2, 2022 (A/RES/ES-11/1) and March 24, 2022 (A/RES/.

It is noted that the war also has a devastating impact, including on the Ukrainian economy and trade.. The destruction of a significant part of Ukraine's transport infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports and railways, significantly hinders Ukraine's ability to produce, export and import.

“We are seriously concerned about the consequences of these disruptions for Ukraine and global trade, in particular for the supply to international markets of a number of key goods produced by Ukraine, including agricultural products, fertilizers, sunflower oil and important minerals.. We are also deeply concerned about the numerous reports of Ukrainian grain theft.. These actions are contrary to the principles and values \u200b\u200bof the WTO,"

The signatories of the statement noted the need to ensure that trade routes, especially sea routes and ports, are not blocked..

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WTO holds big meeting to address vaccines, food shortages. World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala predicted a "

At a time when some question the relevance of the WTO, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala hopes that the meeting, attended by more than 120 ministers from 164 member countries, will make progress towards reducing inequalities and ensuring fair and free trade.

Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged that the Geneva-based trade body needs to be reformed, but she was cautiously optimistic that at least one of the main objectives of the meeting, such as fisheries or COVID vaccines, could be reached.