KYIV. Nov 17 (Interfax-Ukraine) – President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of Slovenia Borut Pahor have met and discussed Ukraine’s EU integration and the ongoing reforms to improve the business climate and fight corruption in the country, the Ukrainian presidential press service has reported.
“The parties discussed the issue of the European integration of Ukraine and the course of reforms aimed at improving the business climate and to fight against corruption. The president expressed gratitude for the support of Ukraine’s efforts in the introduction of the visa-free regime with the EU as a result of the fulfillment of the program of reforms,” the press service said.
During their meeting, the presidents paid special attention to the security situation in Europe, particularly in the context of recent terrorist attacks in Paris.
“Our position is absolutely clear – we are together with the French nation, we stand side-by-side with them in the struggle against terrorism, we are grateful to France for its powerful support for Ukraine. Today, the whole world must make decisive efforts to prevent the repeat of terrorist attacks. Such victims in the center of Europe in the twenty-first century are inadmissible. The entire world should unite against terrorism wherever it may take place – either in Paris, or in the east of Ukraine,” Poroshenko said.
The Ukrainian president informed his Slovenian counterpart about the situation in the east of Ukraine and emphasized that the recent events in Donbas are evidence of Russia’s non-fulfillment of the Minsk agreements. Poroshenko noted the necessity of clear coordination with the EU regarding sanctions.
Poroshenko expressed gratitude for the assistance of Slovenian for Ukrainians who suffered as a result of the Russian aggression in Donbas. Already, 120 Ukrainian children have rested on the shore of the Adriatic Sea this year. Slovenia has also funded the rehabilitation of four Ukrainian servicemen wounded in fighting in Donbas.
Poroshenko accepted the invitation of his counterpart to visit Slovenia in the first half of 2016, adding that they could discuss the abolition of visa fees for Ukrainians who go to Slovenia to study.
Speaking about the situation in Donbas, Pahor highlighted the importance of full implementation of the Minsk agreements.
“The EU should support Ukraine. It is in the interests of the EU,” he said.
