Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the country has stopped all export of its wheat to be able to meet domestic demand in these difficult times.
The country, engaged in a war that is likely to last over time, must be able to have sufficient internal stock, explained Oksana Vasilyeva, Ambassador of Ukraine in Rabat.
In an interview with Hespressthe diplomat said that “ the war Russia is waging against Ukraine was not planned. We knew of the presence of armed groups on the Ukrainian borders, but we did not imagine that there would be a country, in the 21st century, attacking a neighboring country ».
Regarding Ukrainian wheat exports to Morocco, interrupted because of the war, Oksana Vasilyeva maintains that her country is going through a difficult time.
« We have stopped the export of wheat and grain to the countries due to the cessation of maritime traffic and the control imposed by the Russians on the Black Sea and Azov, in addition to the movement of ships, also been disrupted due to war “, she explained.
For the Ukrainian Ambassador in Rabat, “It is difficult today to move the naval fleet, since the Russians are going to put it in danger, trade cannot take place, the humanitarian situation is difficult, and we have to think about storing cereals and wheat. We need humanitarian aid, medicine and food ».
If the war ends, Ukraine will resume relations with Morocco and other countries in order to continue exporting grain and wheat, Oksana Vasilyeva said, noting that « all these questions remain dependent on the end of the war and the expulsion of the invaders from our lands ».
Morocco is one of the 5 African countries with which Ukraine has strong economic partnerships, said the diplomat. Ukraine’s trade value with the Kingdom amounted to $530 million in 2021.
Morocco’s cereal imports from Ukraine represent 12% of its total cereal imports, while its exports to Ukraine focus on natural and chemical fertilizers, cars and fish, the Ambassador said.
In addition, the value of Ukrainian exports to Morocco is around 403 million dollars, the diplomat continued. The major part of these exports is made up of cereals and wheat at 54% in addition to other materials such as oil, yogurt and electronic equipment.
In addition, the value of Ukrainian imports from Morocco amounted to 120 million dollars, including phosphate which represents 48%, electronic cars, fish and vegetables.
Ukrainian universities today under threat
Regarding the situation of Moroccan students who fled the war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian diplomat recalled that they had decided not to leave Ukrainian territory, and remained there until things got worse due to the lack of clarity and visibility.
“Cities are under bombardment and it is not possible to continue studying in an atmosphere of fear, bombardment and wars. Today, Ukrainian companies and universities are experiencing a deluge of Russian and Belarusian cyber threats and attacks. Therefore, it was decided to stop studying in Ukraine and go on vacation. This situation will continue until the beginning of next April. “, explained the diplomat.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Education will announce new measures in April concerning the continuation of studies or direct departure on vacation, until the end of the war, said Oksana Vasilyeva, before specifying that she had contacted the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs in order to discuss the file of Moroccan students in Ukraine, so that they can continue their studies.