Meeting between Presidents of Ukraine and Poland started in Warsaw

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Poland for a two-day official visit.

The official ceremony of meeting between the Ukrainian President and President of Poland Andrzej Duda took place in the Presidential Palace.

After that, the meeting between the two Presidents in vis-a-vis format started. Then, the negotiations between the delegations chaired by the Presidents are planned.

Following the meetings, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Andrzej Duda will hold a press conference for Polish, Ukrainian and foreign media representatives.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Ukraine and Poland share the view that the Nord Stream 2 poses a threat to the whole of Europe

Ukraine stands for diversification of energy supply sources and energy cooperation within Poland - United States - Ukraine triangle. It was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his official visit to Poland.

“We are pleased that trade and economic ties between our countries are growing each year. Poland is already our second largest trading partner in the EU. But there is no limit to the potential of this cooperation. That is why we look forward to an active dialogue between the governments of our countries in the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation. And we hope - I personally hope - that the next meeting of the Commission will be held in the near future. We have talked about this with the President of Poland,” the President of Ukraine said during a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda in Warsaw.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that energy security issues had been discussed during the meeting.

"And here we speak with Poland in one voice: The Nord Stream 2 is unacceptable and poses a threat to the whole of Europe," he said.

"At the same time, we stand for diversification of energy supply sources and energy cooperation within Poland - United States - Ukraine triangle,” the Head of State emphasized.

 

 

Ukraine and Poland agreed to update and restart the bilateral working group on historical issues - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Poland Andrzej Duda agreed to update and restart the bilateral working group on historical issues that will work under the auspices of the heads of state. It was announced by Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference in Warsaw.

“I am ready to unblock the permits for search operations in Ukraine, and the Polish side is decorating the Ukrainian memorial sites in Poland. I offered President Duda to build a common memorial of reconciliation on the border of Ukraine and Poland,” the Head of State noted.

The President of Ukraine stressed that he had openly discussed all the historical issues with the President of Poland.

“I am glad that there are no issues in our relations that we cannot solve through dialogue and mutual understanding. We are well aware that tense relations between Ukraine and Poland would be a wonderful gift for our enemies, and therefore we should not do it. We have agreed to update and restart the bilateral working group that will work under the auspices of both presidents, so that all the dark spots of the past do not prevent our nations from building a common bright future,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The President of Ukraine thanked his Polish counterpart for inviting him to take part in the events marking the 80th anniversary of the Second World War. The Head of State recalled that on September 1, 1939, the Polish people stood up to defend their Homeland against the German invaders, and representatives of the Ukrainian people stood side by side with them.

“According to historians, thousands of Ukrainians fought in the ranks of the Polish army. Many of them died in the fight against the Nazis and fell victim to the communist totalitarian system, having been tortured to death in Katyn, Midne, Kharkiv. We must always keep this in mind when talking about solid foundations of the Ukrainian-Polish friendship and brotherhood,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

According to the President, 80 years later, Poland actively and comprehensively helps Ukraine defend its territorial integrity.

"Our common history is rich in examples to be proud of. At the same time, we do not turn a blind eye to the common tragic pages,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

He also recalled a symbolic event when in 1853 in Lviv, Ignatius Lukashevich  and Jan Zeg invented a kerosene lamp.

“This is a significant example of the fact that common work of Poles and Ukrainians makes this world brighter. Therefore, I am convinced that partnership and friendship between Ukraine and Poland has not only significant prospects, but also a strategic dimension,” the President of Ukraine summarized.

For his part, Polish President Andrzej Duda emphasized that both sides want to normalize relations in the issue of historical memory. "The road to this is to honor every person killed, to write their names and surnames on the plaque of a tombstone," he said. According to him, exhumation works are needed to implement this, and this issue is extremely important for the Polish people. “It is a tribute to those closest to us. This is an issue for a person to know where to light a candle for his grandfather, great grandfather or father, bow one’s head and pray. To have a memorial site,” he stated.

 

Ukraine will improve the work of the border crossing points with Poland and is interested in active participation in Polish regional projects and initiatives - President

Ukraine will improve the work of the border crossing points with Poland facilitating economic cooperation with the EU, as stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an official visit to Poland.

“Border cooperation is another important element of our dialogue. We will improve the work of the border crossing points on the Ukraine-Poland border facilitating economic cooperation with the EU and interpersonal contacts,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with President of Poland Andrzej Duda in Warsaw.

He also noted that Ukraine was interested in becoming an active participant in regional projects and initiatives of Poland, such as “Trymorya”, which involves the countries between the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea.

“We are now cooperating in the framework of the construction of Via Carpathia Trans-European transport corridor. We have also discussed an ambitious project of E-40 waterway,” the President of Ukraine informed.

In turn, Andrzej Duda noted that Volodymyr Zelenskyy had drew attention to the issue of transport licenses required from Ukrainian carriers. “We have noted these issues. I will speak to relevant ministers,” the President of Poland assured.

According to him, in the context of talks on improving the border infrastructure, the parties recalled the Polish loan in the amount of 100 million euros. “We have heard that there is a procedure that will allow the Ukrainian side to use this loan. I am glad, as it will improve the infrastructure at the border,” Andrzej Duda noted.

The President of Poland added that he would discuss the establishment of new border crossing points with Ukraine with his ministers.

He is also hopeful to increase the trade turnover with Ukraine, improve the opportunities of the Polish business in Ukraine and to make Poland more open for Ukrainian businessmen. “I hope we will have such opportunities and develop cooperation in this field,” the President of Poland summarized.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stands for the intensification of interparliamentary dialogue between Ukraine and Poland

During an official visit to Poland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland Stanisław Karczewski.

The parties called for the intensification of interparliamentary dialogue.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy wished Polish parliamentarians success in the elections to the Sejm and the Senate in October.

The parties also discussed further cooperation in the framework of the Trilateral Interparliamentary Assembly of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Seimas of Lithuania, as well as the Sejm and the Senate of Poland.

Before the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the wreath-laying ceremony near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located on the Piłsudski Square in Warsaw.

 

President of Ukraine invited Poland to join the restoration of Donbas infrastructure

During his official visit to Poland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki.

The parties noted the constant growth of mutual trade turnover and the importance of holding a meeting of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Polish Commission for Economic Cooperation in the near future.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mateusz Morawiecki discussed further development of bilateral trade and economic relations, cooperation in industrial and energy sectors, as well as the possibility of enhancing cross-border cooperation.

The Head of State invited Poland to participate in investment projects to restore Donbas infrastructure.

The parties also touched upon the possibility of using the Polish LNG terminal in Swinoujscie to diversify gas supply to Ukraine, which is an important step in ensuring the energy security of our country.

Another topic of negotiations was the improval of the efficiency of the Ukraine-Poland border crossing points.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy to businessmen in Poland: I am ready to protect all investments

During a two-day official visit to Poland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with business representatives and Ukrainian students. The youth told about cooperation with business in Poland. The students emphasized that they would like to bring the best practices home.

Business was represented by Ukrainian and Polish investors in various fields, such as banking, financial, construction sectors, transport, logistics. Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged business to invest in Ukraine and promised to create all conditions to protect investments.

"I am personally ready to protect all investments. We have already prepared more than 70 draft laws reforming the law enforcement and judicial systems. There are many draft laws for improving the investment climate and for business,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the project “A State in a Smartphone” emphasizing the digitization of services and document flow in the Cabinet of Ministers, electronic customs. He also shared plans for major reforms. In particular, privatization, land reform, changes in the railways sector, concession of ports and overcoming corruption.

"Business is optimistic," Yaroslav Romanchuk, Chairman of the Ukrainian Business Association in Poland said.

In turn, businessmen emphasized that they were willing to invest in Ukraine and were waiting for our investors in Poland.

 

Ukraine and Georgia to coordinate cooperation with EU institutions

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili within participation in the memorial events marking the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II. The meeting took place on the second day of the official visit of the Head of State to the Republic of Poland.

The parties praised the political dialogue between the two countries.

The two Presidents discussed trade and economic cooperation and coordination of interaction in the framework of the European institutions. The parties paid special attention to security and defense.

The Heads of State agreed to make top-level mutual visits in the near future.

 

President had a meeting with the President of Lithuania

In Warsaw, as part of his participation in memorial events marking the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. The meeting took place on the second day of the official visit of the Head of State to Poland.

The Heads of State praised the economic and investment cooperation between the two countries and emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in these fields.

The parties discussed Ukraine’s movement to the European Union. Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that the leadership of the state would continue reforms in the framework of European integration.

“We have chosen this course and will continue to make reforms. We will do them not for the EU, but for ourselves. However, they are in line with the EU's vision,” the President of Ukraine said.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed the intensification of cooperation in the field of alternative energy.

The Lithuanian side reaffirmed the preparations for holding the International Conference for Reforms in Ukraine in 2020 in Lithuania.

The participants of the meeting also discussed the issues of peaceful settlement of the conflict in Donbas, in particular within the Normandy format.

The Lithuanian President invited Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Vilnius. The President of Ukraine, in turn, urged Lithuanians to attend the investment forum in Mariupol this fall and join the reconstruction of the Donbas infrastructure.

 

President of Ukraine had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium

In Warsaw, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium Charles Michel as part of the participation in memorial events marking the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked for the practical assistance to our state in various spheres, as well as for the assistance with the rehabilitation of the Donbas war veterans.

“People's lives are a priority for us. I am grateful to Belgium for the rehabilitation and treatment of our men,” the Head of State noted.

The Prime Minister of Belgium commended the resumption of negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine within the Normandy format.

Charles Michel also welcomed the willingness of the Ukrainian authorities to intensify the fight against corruption.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would carry out all the reforms necessary for the state. First of all, changes in the work of the law enforcement system, the launch of the Supreme Anticorruption Court and the reboot of the anticorruption bodies. The Head of State emphasized the importance of implementing reforms in the medical, pension and educational spheres.

“We will really implement reforms. We have chosen the European path. We are confident that with your help, with the involvement of investments and specialists, we will succeed,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.

 

 

President of Ukraine took part in the memorial events in Warsaw on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the memorial events in Warsaw on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II.

According to the Polish side, about 40 foreign delegations participated in the events. In particular, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Warsaw.

Presidents, heads of government and delegations left a note in the Book of Remembrance and made symbolic strikes on the Memory Bell.

The Head of State, along with other participants of the memorial events, joined the wreath-laying ceremony near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The attendees honored memory of those killed in World War II with a moment of silence.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed military-technical assistance for Ukraine and cooperation in the energy sphere with the U.S. Vice President

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. The meeting was held in Warsaw as part of the participation in the memorial events marking the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II.

The Ukrainian and American parties discussed the situation in Donbas and step-by-step strategy for the return of peace to Ukraine. Mike Pence assured that the United States would not change its position in support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The parties also paid attention to the provision of military-technical assistance to Ukraine.

The U.S. Vice President raised the issue of reforms and fight against corruption that will be carried out by the new government. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine was determined to transform and emphasized that over 70 draft laws had been registered on the first day of work of the new parliament, including those aimed to overcome corruption.

“We shouldn’t just fight against corruption, we must overcome it. We have launched the Anticorruption Court that will start working on September 5. We are rebooting other anticorruption agencies. We have changed the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, we have a new Prosecutor General and a new young government. We are determined to allow business and economy to develop,” the Head of State assured.

 

The parties also discussed cooperation in the energy sphere, emphasizing the importance of the MoU signed between Ukraine, Poland and the United States. Vice President Pence particularly noted the U.S. support for Ukraine’s energy independence.

In addition, the parties discussed the future visit of Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the United States and his meeting with President Donald Trump.