Presidents of Ukraine and Slovenia: The world should unite against terrorism
14 November 2015 19:25
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with President of Slovenia Borut Pahor who is on a one-day visit to Ukraine.
In the course of the meeting, the Presidents paid special attention to the discussion of security situation in Europe, particularly in the context of recent dreadful events in Paris. "Our position is absolutely clear - we are together with the French nation, we stand side-by-side with them in the struggle against terrorism, we are grateful to France for its powerful support for Ukraine. Today, the whole world must make decisive efforts to prevent the repeat of terrorist attacks. Such victims in the center of Europe in the XXI century are inadmissible. The entire world should unite against terrorism wherever it may take place - either in Paris, or in the east of Ukraine," the President emphasized.
The Ukrainian President informed his Slovenian colleague on the situation in the east of Ukraine and emphasized that the recent events in Donbas were the evidence of Russia's non-fulfillment of the Minsk agreements. The Head of State noted the necessity of clear coordination of actions in the EU, inter alia, regarding sanctions.
The parties discussed the issue of European integration of Ukraine and the course of reforms aimed to improve business climate and fight against corruption. The President expressed gratitude for supporting Ukraine's efforts in the introduction of the visa-free regime with the EU as a result of the fulfillment of the program of reforms.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the assistance of Slovenian friends to Ukrainians who suffered from the Russian aggression in Donbas. 120 Ukrainian children had a rest on the shore of the Adriatic Sea this year. Slovenia also funded rehabilitation of 4 Ukrainian servicemen wounded in the ATO area.
The President accepted the invitation of his colleague to visit Slovenia in the first half of 2016. The Head of State said that the parties would possibly discuss the abolition of visa fees for Ukrainians who come to Slovenia to study.
The meeting took place in Lviv on the eve of the first UEFA EURO-2016 match between Ukraine and Slovenia.
Speaking of today's match, the President said: "Each of us wants to see his national team on EURO. But I am confident that notwithstanding the result of the game, friendly and sincere atmosphere of our relations with Slovenia will stay unchanged. Let the better team win".
In his turn, the President of Slovenia noted that it was his second visit to Ukraine. "We support Ukraine's independence and right to sovereignty. We have no contradictions with Ukraine except today's match," he said.
Speaking of the situation in Donbas, Borut Pahor highlighted the importance of full implementation of the Minsk agreements. "The EU should support Ukraine. It is in the interests of the EU," the President of Slovenia noted.
After the meeting, the Presidents will attend the football match between their countries.
