Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Volodymyr Groysman on the results of his visit to the USA: Trust in Ukraine is back

Ukraine has great trust and support of the United States in all important areas. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said this at a press conference on Tuesday following his working visit to the United States, June 14-17.

"Following this visit, the main thing that I have felt – indeed, the trust in Ukraine is back. The USA has welcomed the start of the new Government’s work, change of the Prosecutor General, the beginning of the judicial reform. We have a quite serious widespread support in all areas, including defense, from the United States," he pointed out.


Working visit to the United States took place at the invitation of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and lasted for about three days, Volodymyr Groysman noted.

During this time about 30 meetings were held and were discussed a range of important issues and areas for further cooperation. In particular, the Prime Minister met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, Speaker of the U.S. Congress Paul Ryan, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, the leadership of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), World Bank as well as American business representatives and members of the American Chamber of Commerce. Volodymyr Groysman also participated in the conference of the Center for US-Ukrainian relations Providing Ukraine with an Annual Report Card, he informed.

"The main goal was to reaffirm support of the United States in such a difficult time for our independence. We separately discussed  those areas of our cooperation, which enable us to effectively carry out reforms and support in areas that are extremely important," said Volodymyr Groysman.

In particular, it was decided that the United States would provide an additional $220 million assistance to Ukraine in support of carrying out reforms. The assistance will be directed to bolster judicial reform and the reform of the customs service, as well as energy independence and decentralization, the Prime Minister informed.

The United States of America reaffirmed support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression and maintaining sanctions against the Russian Federation.

Moreover, the World Bank jointly with the Government will develop a strategy for the development of Ukrainian roads, Volodymyr Groysman informed.

Among the other agreements reached following the visit to the US - visit of the technical mission of representatives of the Customs Service of the United States to Ukraine regarding the reform of the customs service from 28 June to 11 July, aimed at working out technical requirements for the modernization of Ukrainian customs.

Commenting on the agreements in the economic sphere, Volodymyr Groysman said that the Deputy Commerce Secretary of the USA would visit Ukraine soon. The U.S. Department of Commerce, in particular, will assist in the creation of an investment support office under the Prime Minister.

Volodymyr Groysman pointed out that American business has a great interest in Ukraine, particularly in the IT sector, agriculture, infrastructure, as well as the privatization of JSC Odesa Portside Plant.

"We have not used all our ability to attract investments into the Ukrainian economy. Therefore, through the Commerce Department, through the creation of this office we can say that Ukraine may attract new investments," said the Prime Minister .


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