During a visit to the Italian Republic, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
The Head of State noted Ukraine's interest in deepening relations with the Italian Government and developing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
Special attention was paid to the issues of trade-economic, investment cooperation and development of contacts between Ukrainian and Italian business circles.
“Italy is in the top three of Ukraine's largest economic partners in the EU and one of the main trading partners in the world. Last year's trade volume exceeded $ 4 billion. I am sure that we can improve this result and thus strengthen our friendship,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President highlighted the great potential for bringing the cooperation between Ukraine and Italy to a new level.
"The positive changes that are taking place in our country create additional opportunities for increasing cooperation between Ukraine and Italy," the Head of State said.
In particular, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed interest in the active involvement of Italian investors in the large-scale privatization in Ukraine, as well as the participation of Italian companies in the implementation of infrastructure projects and development of Ukrainian energy sphere.
“Our government works to simplify economic and business processes. This year we have big plans for the construction of roads, bridges, development of ports and airports. We will be glad to see Italian investors in Ukraine and will do everything to ensure the security of their investments. Let's build together in Ukraine and create jobs,” the President said.
The Head of State thanked Giuseppe Conte for Italy's unwavering support of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. For his part, the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic expressed full support for the reforms in Ukraine.
The parties touched upon the issue of strengthening cultural ties and developing scientific and technical cooperation, especially in the space field.
During the negotiations, the interlocutors agreed on the schedule of the high-level contacts for 2020 and discussed preparations for the visit of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to Ukraine.