On Monday, January 17, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Melanie Joly has arrived to Ukraine, where she has already met with Prime Minister Denis Schmigal. This is reported by the Government Portal.
Denis Shmygal thanked Canadian representatives for consolidating the international position on Russia's aggressive actions.
"In the current circumstances, the support of partners in enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities is critical. In this regard, we especially appreciate the activities of the Canadian UNIFIER training mission in Ukraine. We expect this mission to continue after March 2022," said the head of the Ukrainian government.
During the meeting the parties discussed intensification of trade and economic cooperation. Prime Minister noted that the expansion of the Free Trade Agreement on services and investments is an important element of deepening bilateral cooperation in the economic sphere.
"I hope that the announcement of the beginning of these negotiations will take place before the end of this month on the occasion of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries," said Denis Shmygal.
In addition, the Head of the Government emphasized the importance of attracting Canadian investors to implement joint projects in Ukraine.
"I am glad to meet the head of the Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly in Kyiv. I am grateful for this important show of support and openness to strengthening relations between Ukraine and Canada. We look forward to a productive dialogue on the expansion of the free trade agreement, "- also wrote the head of the Ukrainian government in his Twitter.
The Minister will be visiting Ukraine on January 17-18 at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba.
According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, on Tuesday, the heads of Ukrainian and Canadian diplomacy will hold talks, the key topics of which will be countering Russian aggression, consolidation of further steps to contain Russia, strengthening the security sector of Ukraine.
The ministers will discuss topical issues of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Canada, in particular in trade, economic, educational and visa-migration spheres.
It should be noted that today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Annalena Berbock has arrived in Ukraine.
In addition, a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress is currently visiting Kyiv.
The visits come shortly after the US, OSCE and NATO talks with Russian representatives on the so-called "security guarantees" demanded by Russia.
