Source: Baku hopes Russia to lift ban on tomato, apple imports

BAKU, Dec 9 (PRIME) -- Russia’s decision to ban imports of tomatoes and apples from Azerbaijan came as a surprise to Baku, most likely, it was a technical error and the issue will be resolved, a source in Baku familiar with the situation told PRIME on Wednesday.

The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Oversight said late Tuesday it would ban imports of tomatoes and apples from Azerbaijan starting from Thursday due to the detection of pests in products from this country.

“The decision came as a surprise to us at the moment when we pin great hopes on a steady increase in trade with the Russian Federation. On the other hand, these goods, especially tomatoes, are highly valued by Russian consumers and it will be difficult for Russia to compensate for this commodity item ... Tomatoes and apples from Azerbaijan have been exported to Russia for decades, and there has never been a serious reason for banning them,” the source said.

“Negotiations on this issue between the relevant structures have already begun, and I think this issue will be revised and the position of Rosselkhoznadzor will change,” he said.

“Baku is confident that this is just a technical mistake,” the source added.

End