Ukraine counts on permanent support of Germany in the issues of countering Russian aggression and growing rapprochement with the EU

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko met with delegation of the Bundestag Committee on the Affairs of the European Union headed by Gunther Krichbaum.

The Head of State expressed gratitude for the close attention of the Bundestag to the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas, as well as for supporting Ukraine in the issues of combating Russian aggression and restoring territorial integrity.

The President emphasized the importance of the policy of sanctions against the aggressor: "Sanctions are an efficient mechanism that encourages Russia to fulfill the Minsk agreements".

Petro Poroshenko praised the results of the negotiations with Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel in Berlin on February 1, 2016. The negotiations confirmed common vision on the implementation of the Minsk agreements and prolongation of sanctions. In this context, the President stressed the need for preserving unity of the EU.

Bundestag representatives confirmed that sanctions "are effective". In his turn, Gunther Krichbaum added that "Ukraine can count on Germany's full support" and assured that sanctions wouldn't be lifted until full implementation of the Minsk agreements by Russia.

In the course of the meeting, the parties noted the importance of continuing the implementation of systemic reforms in Ukraine aimed at ensuring political stability, introducing fair judiciary, implementation of efficient anti-corruption policy, acceleration of economic growth and rapprochement with the EU.

Petro Poroshenko stressed the importance of establishing visa-free regime for Ukrainians by the EU.

In the context of energy cooperation, the President emphasized that Ukraine counted on the EU's solidarity as regards to the Nord Stream II project.

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