Italy has been a good partner for Ukraine, and Kyiv is ready to deepen and comprehensively develop bilateral relations in political and economic areas, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said at a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano.
“Italy is our traditional partner, we have much in common, and there is an opportunity to build a good common future,” the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine quoted Groysman as saying.
The Ukrainian prime minister thanked the Italian government for the constant support of Ukraine in protecting its territorial integrity and counteracting Russian aggression. This issue acquires special significance in the context of Italy’s chairmanship of the OSCE in 2018, Groysman said.
Italy keeps an eye on the situation in Ukraine, notes the macroeconomic progress in Ukraine, sees the challenges Ukraine state is facing, and is ready to help in every possible way, Alfano said.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed the results of the reforms in Ukraine and the government’s economic plans for this year, including large-scale privatization under the new legislation. Groysman invited Italian companies to participate in the sale of assets, and also offered to assess the prospects for joint implementation of projects in industry and energy. The energy sector, could be attractive for Italian companies both in terms of general modernization of the Ukrainian gas transportation system, and in terms of the participation of Italian business in gas production projects in Ukraine, the PM said.
“The economy is growing and will grow, and we invite the Italian side to cooperate,” Groysman said.
In turn, Alfano said Italian exports to Ukraine have grown recently by 20%, and those of Ukraine to Italy by 24%. “These are good indicators, and at this rate, our partnership will quickly become strategic,” the minister said, adding that they looked forward to cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and innovation.”
