Strengthening international partnerships: from opening new markets to joint biosecurity measures – Serhii Tkachuk on the outcomes of the 92nd WOAH session

The 92nd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) took place in Paris during the last week of May. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Serhii Tkachuk, Head of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, held around 20 meetings with international partners. The focus was on creating new opportunities for Ukrainian producers, particularly by accessing new markets for animal and plant-based food products.

“International cooperation is about daily engagement with those willing to listen, discuss, and find joint solutions. Every day of the General Assembly is a packed schedule, with back-to-back negotiations, new tasks, and opportunities. But this is exactly why we are here,” emphasised Serhii Tkachuk.

Key outcomes included agreements with American counterparts from APHIS/FSIS and USDA to facilitate access for Ukrainian products to the U.S. market. Discussions with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) paved the way for Ukraine’s accreditation to export beef and live cattle, hatching eggs and day-old chicks, pork, and pork products to the EU. Additionally, Ukraine will receive a scientific report from the European Commission on approaches to vaccination against African swine fever, with findings to be shared with Ukrainian agribusinesses.

The Ukrainian delegation also participated in meetings with representatives from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Indonesia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Moldova, Singapore, India, Turkey, Romania, Canada, the Sultanate of Oman, Lithuania, and Hungary.

A significant moment for Ukraine was the support from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which joined the European Union’s statement condemning russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.

“We are grateful for every voice of support and every partner who sees the full impact of the war and does not remain silent,” noted the Head of the State Service.

Background

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), formerly the International Epizootic Bureau (OIE) until 2003, is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. Recognised by the World Trade Organization (WTO), WOAH comprises nearly 200 member countries across all continents. Ukraine has been a member since 1994 and actively participates in initiatives to ensure epizootic welfare.