“I wish to express my joy at successful cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine; we keep discovering new opportunities to strengthen and develop our relationships. The protocol that we signed today reinforces our mutual pursuit of improving railway communication between the two countries as well as of promoting digital solutions in the areas of transport and logistics. I believe that with our continuous cooperation, Lithuania, and the Port of Klaipėda, may become the northern trade gate of Ukraine,” Minister Skuodis said upon signing the document.
The countries are ready to cooperate by recognising Klaipėda State Seaport as the northern gate for trade with Ukraine. In 2020, Ukrainian cargo volumes were equal to 0.9 percent of all cargo loaded in the Port of Klaipėda.
By signing the Memorandum of Intent Lithuania and Ukraine agreed to actively support semi-trailer transport by route Klaipėda–Odessa, find ways to further increase container freight by trains Viking and Baltic-Ukrainian Containerships Train, and strengthen competition in moving freight via North-South Transport Corridor.
Lithuania and Ukraine also aim at cooperation in exchanging legal and technological information and experience related to the development and implementation of electronic international freight and passenger transport permits and consignment notes systems.
The MoI also provides for sharing the know-how and experience on efficient, modern and sustainable railway transport sector solutions. According to Minister Skuodis, Ukraine may also benefit from Lithuanian experience in implementing the Lithuanian Railways Reform.
As soon as the epidemiological situation improves, it is expected to resume communication by the so-called four capitals train connecting Kyiv, Minsk, Vilnius and Riga.
