President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven. The President of Ukraine congratulated the Head of the Swedish Government on the National Day of Sweden celebrated on June 6. The parties discussed the situation with the spread and containment of coronavirus infection in both countries.
"I express my support to you and wish all Swedish citizens who are ill a speedy recovery," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The interlocutors also focused on the video conference of the Eastern Partnership leaders scheduled for June 18. Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that one of the key topics of the video conference should be the issue of strengthening coordination between the EU and partner countries in overcoming global crises.
"For us, three elements are fundamental in determining the further development of the Eastern Partnership: fixing European prospects for associate partners, support for the territorial integrity of partners, further integration of markets with the EU in accordance with the association agreements on the basis of four freedoms (movement of goods, services, capital, persons). We count on Sweden's support for our approaches," the President of Ukraine said.
In response, Stefan Löfven expressed hope for holding the "live" summit of the Eastern Partnership in early 2021, as it will be possible to discuss concrete achievements there and adopt a declaration on the European prospect of Ukraine. The Swedish Prime Minister expressed support for structural reforms and commended the adoption of the land reform and banking law, as well as the approval of the cooperation program between the International Monetary Fund and Ukraine. In addition, Stefan Löfven stressed the importance of the EU’s support for Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Sweden for its continued support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country and informed of the situation in Donbas and the implementation of the Paris Summit agreements in the Normandy format. He also stressed the need to return Crimea to the agenda.
"I urge you to support the issue of returning Crimea to the agenda. Over the years, the only question raised was the end of the war in Donbas. However, the ongoing war in Donbas began in Crimea," the President of Ukraine noted.
The Prime Minister of Sweden supported the importance of raising the issue of returning Crimea to the agenda.
In addition, the parties discussed cooperation in establishing justice in the issue of the Boeing-737 downed near Tehran.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also suggested that the Swedish party consider the prospects of cooperation in the construction of a network of waste recycling plants in Ukraine. Stefan Löfven reiterated the invitation to visit Sweden as soon as possible after the end of the restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.