Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed the government to transition the support program for the Syrian people to a long-term framework, aiming to make it predictable and stable over an extended period in collaboration with international partners, as reported by Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval during a unified national telethon.
He highlighted that Syria has a critical need for all types of food products, as 13 years of devastating conflict have left the country nearly unable to produce food independently. The population of Syria stands at 24 million people.
"Unfortunately, the agricultural sector is quite underdeveloped due to climatic conditions. The existing 4.4 million hectares of land are suffering from drought. Therefore, Syria is interested in imports from Ukraine not only of wheat but especially flour, vegetable oil, sugar, meat products, chicken, and beef," the minister explained.
According to him, a dialogue has begun between the governments of Ukraine and Syria, and there is an understanding that support should be stable, long-term, and predictable, rather than a one-time aid.
"As a country going through war, we understand the importance of having predictability in food supply. Ukraine's role in food security is very significant. We recognize the necessity of continuing to ensure food security in this region. This is not only about Syria but also about Lebanon," Koval emphasized.
He also stressed that providing food to needy countries is a sales channel for Ukrainian farmers.
"This is essentially a unique situation where, by helping Ukrainian farmers grow their products, the world is also addressing the food crisis in needy countries," the minister pointed out.
As previously reported, in December 2024, as part of Grain from Ukraine and with the assistance of the UN World Food Programme, Ukraine sent 21 trucks carrying 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria. This will be distributed to 33,250 families or 167,000 individuals. Each package weighs 15 kg and can feed a family of five for a month.