During the 22nd Ukraine-EU Summit, further steps of active cooperation and interaction were outlined, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference following the forum in Brussels.
The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the organization and holding of the Summit, which took place despite all the challenges related to the fight against COVID-19. The President noted that this event was the first "live" summit with the EU partner country since the beginning of the pandemic, which is further evidence of the priority given to cooperation with Ukraine.
"The foundation of our relations with the European Union is the common values that we share and promote: democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, gender equality. Our conversation today was thorough, friendly, warm and open. It covered almost the entire range of the Ukraine-EU agenda," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President of Ukraine noted that the progress of the implementation of the Association Agreement was carefully considered during the talks.
"Further steps of Ukraine's active cooperation with the European Union were outlined. I can assure you that our plans are ambitious and unprecedented," the President said.
According to him, the current situation with the spread of COVID-19 and joint efforts to overcome it were discussed.
"I am grateful to the European Union for the extremely important assistance provided to Ukraine. We are talking about a direct response to the pandemic and support for macroeconomic stability in our country. We agree that the coronavirus vaccine should become a common and accessible global asset for all countries. We hope for further close cooperation with the EU on this important issue," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
President of the European Council Charles Michel noted that the EU remains a reliable partner of Ukraine and seeks to deepen cooperation as evidenced by the amount of assistance provided to the Ukrainian state. According to him, cooperation in combating COVID-19 is also evidence of partnership between Ukraine and the EU. Charles Michel added that the Association Agreement provides a framework for cooperation, and the goal is to find conditions for the gradual integration of Ukraine into the internal European market.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell also noted the potential for cooperation.
"Your progress is our progress. Your security is our security. Macro-financial assistance is part of this partnership. And mobilizing resources to fight COVID is also part of our partnership. We have common borders, history, culture and values. The Ukrainian people sacrifice a lot for their prosperity, for a better future, and this future is part of our future. You can count on us," he said.
