KIEV, July 23: Ukraine, one of the world's leading grain exporters, aims to boost shipments to Iran by 30 per cent this year after a good harvest, Agriculture Minister Mykola Prysyazhnyuk said on Tuesday.

The former Soviet republic has harvested 17.2 million tonnes of wheat and 5.6 million tonnes of barley so far this year, Prysyazhnyuk said.

The government and analysts see the total grain harvest, which will also include maize, at 55-58 million tonnes.

Iran, in turn, is forecast to need at least 5 million tonnes of imports in the season starting in summer and is looking to bolster its stocks. “Exports (of Ukrainian grain) to Iran were worth $800 million last year. This year we want to increase them by 30pc,” Prysyazhnyuk told reporters. It was not clear whether he was referring to an increase in volume or value.

He also said Ukraine would continue to supply its other traditional Middle Eastern customer, Syria, which is in the grip of civil war.

“All countries are important to us. So, despite the situation in Syria, we are not suspending exports there,” Prysyazhnyuk said.—Reuters