Ukraine – Statements by Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, at his joint press conference with Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Minister of Ukraine (Paris, 26 February 2021)

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“Ladies and gentlemen,

Today in Paris I’m pleased to be hosting Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, who did me the honour of answering my invitation despite the difficult health situation.

Our meeting provided an opportunity to discuss all the bilateral cooperation issues, particularly regarding economic relations between our two countries, which are developing very dynamically thanks to key partnerships between businesses from our two countries.

Today I noted the dynamism of our bilateral relationship, which has been revitalized since President Zelensky visited Paris in June 2019 and which was also demonstrated at the meeting of the Joint Economic Commission held in Paris in November last year.

I reiterated France’s support for the desire of Ukraine and President Zelensky to continue their efforts on the demanding path of reform, particularly on judicial matters and in the fight against corruption.

This morning we also discussed the conflict in the Donbass. We remain absolutely committed alongside Germany, within the Normandy format, to a resolution of this conflict. So we’re working on the implementation of the conclusions agreed at the Normandy-format summit held in Paris on 9 December 2019. We’d like everyone concerned to implement in good faith the commitments made and continue the constructive discussions on the agenda agreed at that summit.

I’d also like to recall, on this seventh anniversary of the Russian takeover of Crimea, which led to its illegal annexation, that France does not and will not recognize that annexation. And overall, we support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

On all these issues, France and its European partners will continue to stand alongside Ukraine to help it build a prosperous, stable and democratic society.

Thank you. (…)”

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© Jonathan Sarago / MEAE

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© Jonathan Sarago / MEAE

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© Jonathan Sarago / MEAE

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© Jonathan Sarago / MEAE