Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak emphasized that our state should become a key sponsor of regional and pan-European security so that Russia does not try to resort to new acts of aggression. He stated this in his speech at the International Summit of Cities and Regions, which took place on April 19-20 in Kyiv.
Andriy Yermak called the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in today's summit symbolic.
"Mr. Stoltenberg's visit today is evidence that we are not alone on this path and that the Alliance supports Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Together, we are doing everything today to ensure that Ukraine wins," said the Head of the Office of the President.
He quoted the words of Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "Ukraine will be free. The Ukrainian flag will return wherever it should be by right. Return with normal life."
"This is not just a statement. This is a program of actions that we are consistently implementing," Andriy Yermak emphasized.
The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine noted that 2022 was the most difficult year in our modern history, as the destruction and disorder that Russia caused during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine horrifies the whole world.
"Yesterday you personally had the opportunity to study the traces of the crimes committed by the Russians. And you saw with your own eyes the war-torn regions. But Ukraine persevered. In particular, thanks to your support. We are extremely grateful to those countries that sheltered thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Special thanks for the year of solidarity, for the Ukrainian flags on the streets of your cities," he said, addressing the representatives of the partner countries.
Andriy Yermak thanked the foreign friends of Ukraine for their participation in projects to rebuild the infrastructure of our communities and for their intentions to strengthen support for Ukraine, and he also expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian communities that hospitably sheltered forcibly displaced Ukrainians during the most difficult period of the war.
"Ukraine must become a strong outpost of Europe, an exemplary embodiment of strength and modernity, a sponsor of regional and pan-European security. It must turn into a real security hub," the Head of the Office of the President emphasized.
According to him, as an intermediate solution on this path, first of all, Ukraine's full membership in NATO and reliable security guarantees are needed.
"This is the concept of the Kyiv Security Compact, prepared by an international expert group, which I have the honor to chair together with Anders Fogh Rasmussen," noted Andriy Yermak.
The Head of the President's Office called the second important condition the fast economic recovery necessary for Ukraine both for further development and in order to be able to finance a powerful defense system as soon as possible.
The Head of the Office of the President stressed that Ukraine has an incredible socio-economic potential, which must be fulfilled taking into account the best world and, in particular, European experience. The investment opportunities for international business on this path are quite significant: energy recovery involving the most modern energy-efficient and green solutions, an agro-industrial complex that, thanks to a joint partnership, will make it possible to fully use the potential of the most fertile Ukrainian soils, the implementation of powerful infrastructure projects that will help speed up integration processes and more closely connect Ukraine with Europe, development of industrial production, large-scale reconstruction of the housing stock, IT industry.
"Horizontal interaction, which is effective and flexible, is extremely important on this path. Direct relations between the regions of the EU and Ukraine will make it possible to speed up the process of post-war recovery of our country and at the same time ensure sales markets for goods and services for international business," said Andriy Yermak.
He added that some states and regions have already started active work in Ukrainian regions in the format of patronage.
"At the same time, we have room to move forward. I have no doubts that the Declaration that will be adopted shortly, as well as the 12 bilateral agreements signed, will be transformed into practical projects, which will become an example of fruitful joint work for all others willing to support our state," Andriy Yermak emphasized.
