President Petro Poroshenko is satisfied with the dynamics of the Ukraine-German relations at the highest level. “This is the tenth visit and our tenth meeting with Ms. Chancellor. It is symbolic that our meeting takes place during the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Germany. Over the given period, our partnership has reached an unprecedented level,” Petro Poroshenko noted at the joint press conference with Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.
The President believes that the leadership of Germany is vitally important in this context: “Leadership capable of uniting Europe. Because Europe must counter the existing challenges. Europe must remain united”.
The President says that when people ask him what Ukraine needs from the EU first of all, he always gives a simple answer - we need unity of the EU and solidarity with Ukraine.
“To date, the key issue is whether the EU will be able to consolidate its unity on the basis of the international law and democratic values,” he said.
Before the negotiations with the Chancellor of Germany, the President had a meeting with representatives of German companies, a huge amount of which operate in Ukraine today. “I was glad to hear a positive assessment of the improved investment climate in Ukraine from them. They were glad that the volume of our cooperation and FDI from Germany in Ukraine increases,” Petro Poroshenko said adding that the volume of German exports and Ukrainian imports had increased almost by 20%. “I am glad to say that German businessmen feel like home in Ukraine,” the President stressed.
The Head of State will also inform the Chancellor of Germany on positive trends of macro-financial stabilization and economic growth in Ukraine.
“We will discuss prompt implementation of the agreements reached between Ukraine and the EU: completion of the process of ratification of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement, provision of the visa-free regime for Ukrainians, provision of the macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, as well as other projects between the EU, Germany and Ukraine,” he said.
The President is hopeful that “energy solidarity, energy cooperation between Ukraine and Germany will be enhanced”. He also expects to discuss common approaches to such projects as the Nord Stream 2 and OPAL.
“I am convinced that our partnership is really promising. Germany is one of the key trade partners of Ukraine in the world. That is why we must give a new boost to a series of projects in the economic and investment spheres. We are waiting for German investors in the process of privatization in Ukraine,” the President said.
The Head of State invited the Chancellor of Germany to make an official visit to Ukraine at her convenience.
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel noted that the two countries had formed close relationship. “This friendship has become stronger over the past 2.5 years. We would like to continue this cooperation in the atmosphere of trust. We want to help Ukraine in word and deed,” she stressed.
Angela Merkel praised the reforms in Ukraine. “I praise the reforms in Ukraine. Ukraine has fulfilled all the requirements of the difficult IMF program. We support and praise the efforts of Ukraine in the issue of reforms,” the Chancellor said. She assured that the German government would continue assisting Ukraine.
Angela Merkel also noted that Ukraine demonstrated economic growth despite difficult times and reforms. According to her, 1200 enterprises with German funds operate in Ukraine today. She reminded that the Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry had been founded in autumn and the German exports to Ukraine had increased almost by 17% in the first 3 quarters of 2016.
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