During his working visit to the Czech Republic, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala.
The President thanked the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and his team for extremely important and fruitful negotiations.
"Next week, we will be glad to see a large delegation of Czech entrepreneurs in Kyiv, our capital, to develop our joint projects in the energy sector, joint transport projects - this is very important for both countries - and in healthcare," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives following talks with Petr Fiala in Prague.
The President of Ukraine also expressed gratitude to the Czech government and all the people for a new powerful and timely defense package for Ukraine.
"This is exactly what is needed. Each such manifestation of solidarity brings the end of this terrible war unleashed by the Russian Federation closer," he emphasized.
During the meeting, the interlocutors paid considerable attention to defense issues. "Thank you for understanding our needs, in particular in artillery shells, armored vehicles, and air defense systems. We clearly realize that in terms of defense support, Czech leadership is on par with others. I thank you once again for this," the President of Ukraine said.
The parties also discussed in detail the possibilities for establishing new arms production.
"Our countries can significantly enhance cooperation between the military-industrial complexes, and this will be done. We talked about specific projects on shells and military equipment. The relevant Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine has just been signed," the Head of State said.
The talks also focused on cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector, where there are also specific projects.
The parties discussed communication with third countries to maintain international order and common security.
"It is very important to implement the Peace Formula, and it is extremely important for us to work here with the countries of Asia, Africa, and other partners. I thank the Czech Republic for its willingness to act together," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
They also discussed the participation of Czech business in the recovery of Ukraine, the development of Ukrainian infrastructure, etc. According to the President, there are already specific areas of such cooperation between the two countries.
"Of course, today we discussed cooperation at the level of European and Euro-Atlantic structures. This concerns Ukraine's integration into the European Union - this year we must do everything to start negotiations on future EU membership. This also applies to NATO. I thank the Czech Republic and the Prime Minister for supporting all our efforts to make the Summit in Vilnius meaningful for everyone - not only for Ukraine, but also for the entire Alliance," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
He also thanked the people of the Czech Republic for their support of Ukrainians who found protection in the Czech Republic from Russian inhuman aggression.
"Ukraine will always be grateful for the hospitality of the Czech Republic - for such powerful support, for helping our women, children, and all Ukrainians. I am confident that together we will provide all the necessary conditions for our people to return home, to the victorious Ukraine," the President summarized.
For his part, Prime Minister Petr Fiala called Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Prague a confirmation that Ukraine is a priority country for the Czech Republic. He assured that his country would continue to support Ukraine and provide intensive military and humanitarian assistance, as well as contribute to post-war reconstruction.
"Today I confirmed to Mr. President that the Czech Republic is giving Ukraine attack helicopters. In the following months, we will supply additional 100,000 munitions. The Czech Republic will help train specialists for F16 jets," the Czech Prime Minister added.
The Czech Prime Minister also stated that joint projects in the defense industry will help increase Ukraine's defense capabilities.
In addition, Petr Fiala said that the Czech Republic supports a €50 billion financial instrument proposed by the European Commission to help rebuild Ukraine after the war.
He also noted the significant interest of Czech companies in participating in the reconstruction of Ukraine and in cooperation in the nuclear industry, infrastructure, etc.
The Czech Prime Minister praised Ukraine's reforms and expressed support for the realization of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, particularly at the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius.
"I expect that all NATO allies will support Ukraine's aspirations to join. Mr. President can count on the voice of the Czech Republic," said Petr Fiala.
The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic also laid flowers at the Velvet Revolution Memorial. It is the central place of commemoration of the Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy, which is celebrated in the Czech Republic on November 17.
