Zelensky expects EU to lift restrictions on Ukrainian agrifood exports after Sept 15

MOSCOW. Aug 22 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has said he expects the European Commission to lift all restrictions on exports of Ukrainian agrarian products to EU countries after September 15.

"It is important to restore full-fledged duty-free trade between Ukraine and the EU and ensure free access of Ukrainian agricultural exports to the entire territory of the EU single market. I expect that on September 15, any restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products in the EU will be lifted," Ukrainian media quoted Zelensky as saying at a meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the Ukraine-Balkans Summit in Athens.

Zelensky thanked von der Leyen for efforts toward normalizing exports and transit of Ukrainian agrarian produce.

They also discussed alternative routes for a grain corridor, paying special attention to security and financial aspects and insurance of ships.

Zelensky thanked von der Leyen for another 1.5-billion-euro tranche of the EU's macro-financial assistance. They discussed a review of the International Monetary Fund's program for Ukraine.

Zelensky and von der Leyen also assessed Ukraine's progress in implementing the European Commission's seven recommendations and further steps in this direction.

"We aim to achieve maximum results in the implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission. We expect a positive assessment in the report within the enlargement package in October and a decision of the EU member states to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union in 2023," Zelensky said, as reported by the Ukrainian presidential press service.