UA
FR
DEMinister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on a working visit to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian and U.S. foreign ministers discussed the development of a strategic political and security partnership between Ukraine and the United States, reinforcement of Ukraine’s defence capabilities in the fight against Russian aggression, U.S. support for Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts, and enhancement of an open competitive economy.
The parties paid special attention to the efficient involvement of the United States in the diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the Russian-Ukrainian war in close coordination with Germany and France as parties to the Normandy format.
The chief diplomats exchanged views on a possible meeting between the presidents of the United States and Russia and agreed to coordinate positions in preparation for it.
On behalf of U.S. President Joe Biden, the Secretary of State reaffirmed his strong support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He testified that the United States was ready to join the Ukrainian initiative of the Crimean Platform and take part in its inaugural summit.
Kuleba and Blinken noted that the partial withdrawal of Russian troops from the border with Ukraine did not eliminate a threat of further aggravation by Russia and agreed on the need to continue to closely monitor Russia’s actions.
The parties paid special attention to the energy security of Europe and Ukraine, pointed out the common position on the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. They expressed common interest in developing cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the field of energy, including hydrogen.
The Secretary of State reaffirmed the readiness of the United States to continue to fully support Ukraine’s efforts to implement internal transformations for successful Euro-Atlantic integration and to continue Ukraine’s cooperation with the IMF.
Kuleba informed his interlocutor about the steps taken by the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the efficient operation of anti-corruption institutions, the independence of the judiciary and the prosecutor’s office, and the de-oligarchisation of key sectors of the Ukrainian economy.
The interlocutors discussed Ukraine’s further integration into NATO, which is important for the security of Central Europe, the Black Sea region, and the Euro-Atlantic area in general.
The chief diplomats exchanged views on the US–Ukraine cooperation in overcoming key global issues, such as fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, combating climate change, and protecting human rights.
Natalia Tolub
