Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I was pleased to have a substantive conversation with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. 

I briefed the Director-General on Russia’s escalating attacks against Ukrainian civilians, including yesterday’s horrific strike on a residential building in Pryluky that killed innocent people, among them children. Russia is intensifying its campaign of terror, deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

Ukraine remains a firm supporter of the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core. I expressed appreciation for the Director-General’s efforts to uphold the Organization's principles and to address global challenges, including threats to food security. 

Russia’s attacks on civilian vessels, seafarers, and Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea threaten global food supply chains. Safety of navigation must be restored without delay. We count on the WTO’s voice in support of international efforts to achieve this. 

In these circumstances, opening new markets for Ukrainian agricultural products is particularly important, and remote audits can play a critical role. Ukraine has gained unique experience with this tool during the war, and we have already agreed with the EU, the UK, and Canada to apply it in practice. Such practices can make global agricultural trade more resilient. 

Ukraine is ready to advance an international standard within the WTO for conducting remote audits and inspections and recognising their results. We would welcome the Director-General’s support in building backing for this initiative among WTO members. 

Thank you, Director-General, for an open and constructive exchange. I look forward to our continued cooperation".