On Wednesday 5 April, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis met Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman in Kiev.
During the meeting, the officials disused the issues relating to bilateral cooperation, the ongoing reform processes in Ukraine, as well as the security situation in the region.
Latvia appreciates the friendly and open dialogue with Ukraine - the two countries have developed dynamic bilateral relations at all levels. Ukraine is currently the 16th largest foreign investor in Latvia, and cooperation in this area is increasing. The Prime Minister pointed out that Latvia is interested in strengthening the economic dialogue with Ukraine, by maintaining cooperation in agriculture, food processing, chemical industry, metal working, mechanical engineering, as well as information and communication technologies.
The two sides agreed on the need to organize the Latvian - Ukrainian business forum for entrepreneurs of both countries to establish new contacts, thus encouraging mutual economic cooperation.
As regards the conflict in eastern Ukraine, it was emphasized that Latvia retains its strict position regarding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, by failing to recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and continuing to demand that Russia ends it. "There must remain a link between the Minsk process and the sanctions. Russia has to engage in constructive negotiations," said M. Kučinskis.
In terms of the situation in Ukraine, M. Kučinskis praised the Government of Ukraine for the progress in the reform process – it has managed to achieve significant results.
"There is still much to be done, especially in the field of justice, the strengthening of good governance and fight against corruption. It is important that no steps are taken within the framework of reforms that would weaken the nature of the decisions made or give conflicting signals," said M. Kučinskis. He also mentioned that Latvia will continue to support the reform process in Ukraine. The Prime Minister and V. Groysman also discussed the EU-Ukraine relations, stressing that it is important to complete the ratification of the EU - Ukraine Association Agreement. "We hope that further implementation of the visa-free regime with Ukraine will take place without delay, and already in June the citizens of Ukraine will be eligible for visa-free travel to the Schengen countries. It is very important to continue the EU- Ukraine cooperation on justice and home affairs issues, "said M. Kučinskis.
Prime Minister of Ukraine V.Groysman, in his turn, expressed gratitude for Latvia's support to Ukraine.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Mob.: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv