Referring to the European Union and NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders extending to its territorial waters, as well as fully supporting Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence and to choose its own security arrangements,
Condemning the Russian Federation’s unprovoked aggression on the territory and citizens of Ukraine, and its annexation of territories in violation of the United Nations Charter,
Having regard to the Constitution of Ukraine which defines gaining full-fledged membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a strategic course of the state,
Commending the development of extensive bilateral relations between the Italian Republic and Ukraine, and considerable potential for further cooperation in all spheres of joint interest,
President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic and President of Ukraine
- Reaffirm their standing support for the principles of international law, the inviolability of borders, and the right for each state to choose its own path and security arrangements;
- Note the readiness to remain fully committed to the policy of non-recognition of illegal annexation of Ukraine’s territories by Russia;
- Emphasize the importance of Ukraine’s consistent efforts of continuing the Black Sea Grain Initiative and launching the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program, aimed at enhancing the global food security. Ukraine highly appreciates the Italian Republic’s support for the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program and encourages for further strengthening of the relevant support;
- Welcome the historic decision of the leaders of the European Union states, adopted on June 23, 2022, granting to Ukraine EU candidate country status. Ukraine highly appreciates Italy’s continuous support towards the full-fledged membership of Ukraine in the EU;
- Declare the following:
- The Italian Republic will continue to promote the EU and Allies’ strong and effective political and material support for Ukraine aimed at ensuring the ability of the Ukrainian state to effectively defend its territories on land, at sea and in the air;
- Ukraine highly appreciates all assistance being provided by the Italian Republic in order to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities. Whenever possible, the Italian Republic will continue to provide strong military, technical, defence, and humanitarian support to Ukraine;
- Italy and Ukraine confirm their commitment to strengthen joint efforts to ensure further progress towards the implementation of EU and NATO standards and the integration of Ukraine with the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance;
- Reiterating the Alliance’s commitment to NATO’s Open Door Policy, in accordance with the 2022 NATO Strategic Concept and the Madrid Summit Declaration, the Italian Republic will support further intensification of NATO’s partnership with Ukraine;
- Underline the Ukraine’s sovereign decision on the peace process and highlight their support to a Global Peace Summit to be convened when conditions allow. The Italian Republic expresses its appreciation for the Ukraine’s Peace Formula presented by President Zelenskyy first at the G20 Bali Leaders’ Summit on November 15th, 2022. Italy commits to a just peace for Ukraine also taking into account the Peace Formula and reaffirms its commitment to work actively with Ukraine on the 10-point peace plan;
- The Italian Republic expresses its readiness to play a key role in the reconstruction of Ukraine - notably through the multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform agreed between Ukraine, the G7, IFIs and other key partners - including through the significant and well-recognized expertise of its companies in crucial sectors and cooperating to ensure a transparent, inclusive and reform-oriented process. We agree on the opportunity to organize in Italy an Italy-Ukraine Conference in order to discuss the kind of support and the collaborations we can develop as far as the reconstruction is concerned. Ukraine is ready to recognize an important role of Italy in the reconstruction and fast recovery of the country;
- The Italian Republic and Ukraine commit to coordinate closely on these matters by intensifying bilateral consultations.
Signed in duplicate in Kyiv on February 21, 2023 in English.
For Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
For the Italian Republic President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni