Luminita Odobescu: Romania is ready to rapidly develop alternative routes for the export of Ukrainian grain

Romania is ready to quickly develop alternative routes for the export of Ukrainian grain, after Russia withdrew from the agreement for safe transportation on the Black Sea and threatens to attack ships headed for Ukrainian ports.

Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu told the Bloomberg news agency that Romania can now open new border crossing points from the neighboring country, increase staff at existing crossings and bring in retired pilots and soldiers to speed up the transit of ships on the Danube.

Romania has already facilitated the transit of more than 20 million tons of grain from Ukraine, about half of the amount transported on the so-called solidarity roads since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

Constanta Port, preferred by Ukrainian companies, has been modernized, but may become overburdened by domestic grain production.

Also, Bulgaria is considering using the rail network to Greek ports for Ukrainian food products, which until now were mainly going to the Port of Varna.

Translated by: Radu Matei