Poland, Ukraine hold talks on farm imports dispute

Warsaw:Poland s prime minister on Thursday hosted his Ukrainian counterpart for long awaited talks designed to ease friction over Ukrainian farm impor...

Warsaw: Poland's prime minister on Thursday hosted his Ukrainian counterpart for long-awaited talks designed to ease friction over Ukrainian farm imports and border blockades by disgruntled Polish farmers.

Poland has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine as it fights off a Russian invasion, but ties have soured over the past months over economic disputes, with farmers complaining that imports from Ukraine have undercut prices for their own produce.

On Thursday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed his counterpart Denys Shmygal to Warsaw, with Ukrainian flags hoisted outside the seat of government and the anthems of both countries played by the military band.

"There will be no safe Europe without a free Ukraine," Tusk said on X (formerly Twitter) as the talks began.

Kyiv has repeatedly urged its EU neighbour to ease the cross-border traffic snarls, warning that delays triggered by the blockades could impede weapons deliveries to the country.