Lithuania and Ukraine to share experience on railway transport and to strengthen regional cooperation
On Thursday, Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis and Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Kryklii met in Kyiv to discuss options for continuous strengthening of regional cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics, mainly focusing on matters relating to economic relationships in the context of railway, road and air transport.
“Lithuania and Ukraine are bound by long-term cooperation relationships. We work on developing the Viking train project and invest mutual efforts to improve freight transport conditions. I am confident that the development of digital solutions and innovations in transport and logistics will solidify trade and economic relationships between the Baltic and the Black Sea regions even further. At the same time it will ensure stronger positions for both countries in the transport sector of the region,” Minister Skuodis said.
The 27-percent reduction in freight transport between Lithuania and Ukraine last year urges to pursue new ways and measures to rectify it. The ministers discussed the need to jointly implement a semi-trailer transport project via a railway route Odessa–Klaipėda. For this purpose, it was proposed to use the good practice of the EU in simplifying customs procedures. The new Ukraine law on inter-modal transport could include provisions that, similarly to the Lithuanian regulation, specify that semi-trailers are considered containers rather than vehicles. This concept would enable cargo screening at the point of destination instead of at the border.
At the end of 2020, a freight transportation company LTG Cargo, owned by Lithuanian Railways, established a company in Ukraine. According to Marius Skuodis, it may become an important economic link between Lithuanian and Ukrainian businesses offering new joint activity potential.
Minister of Transport and Communications Skuodis also emphasized that Lithuania, having recently implemented its railway transport sector reform, is thus ready to assist Ukraine by sharing its experience and providing expert guidance in accordance with the EU legal system. Lithuanian Railways companies could start consultations with regard to establishing a common locomotive service and repair centre in Ukraine.
Moreover, both countries expressed their intent to further develop communication by the so-called four capitals train connecting Kyiv, Minsk, Vilnius and Riga as soon as the epidemiological situation improves.
Another pressing matter discussed during the meeting was the European Common Aviation Area Agreement. It was noted that Lithuania supports Ukraine and promotes that Ukraine and the ES sign this agreement faster. The EU decision is expected to be announced in April.
On Thursday, following the Council of Presidents of Ukraine and Lithuania, and seeking to strengthen the cooperation between the countries and to boost the recovery of the transport sector after the coronavirus pandemic, Lithuanian and Ukrainian Ministers of Transport also signed a Memorandum of Intent regarding the cooperation in developing railway communication and the digitalisation of the transport sector.
Last updated: 18-03-2021
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