Ukraine and US discuss strengthening defence capabilities in the fight against Russian aggression
Dmytro Kuleba and Antony Blinken Discuss the Development of Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and the USA.
May 9, Kyiv: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba held talks with the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was on a working visit to Ukraine.
The heads of the Ukrainian and American diplomacy discussed the development of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States in the political and security areas, strengthening the country's defence capabilities in the fight against Russian aggression, US support for Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts and strengthening an open competitive economy.
The parties paid special attention to the effective involvement of the United States in diplomatic efforts to a peaceful resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict in close coordination with Germany and France as parties to the Normandy format.
Dmytro Kuleba and Antony Blinken exchanged views on a possible meeting between the presidents of the United States and Russia and agreed to coordinate positions in the preparation for it.
On behalf of U.S. President Joseph Biden, the Secretary of State reaffirmed unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reiterated the United States readiness to join the Ukrainian Crimea Platform Initiative and to participate in its Inaugural Summit.
Dmytro Kuleba and Antony Blinken pointed out that despite Russia’s troop's partial pullback from the border with Ukraine, the threat of escalation remains. The parties agreed to continue carefully monitor Russia’s actions.
The interlocutors also highlighted the importance of ensuring the energy security of Europe and Ukraine, underlining their shared position on the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. They also expressed mutual interest of Ukraine and the United States in developing cooperation in the energy sector, including hydrogen technologies.
The Secretary of State reaffirmed the United States standing with Ukraine as it continues to advance its domestic reform agenda aimed at achieving Euro-Atlantic integration and continuation of the country’s cooperation with the IMF.
Dmytro Kuleba informed his counterpart about the steps undertaken by the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the effective functioning of the anti-corruption bodies, the independence of the judicial system and of the prosecutor's office, as well as the de-oligarchization of the key sectors of Ukraine’s economy.
The heads of the diplomatic services discussed Ukraine’s further integration into NATO, which is important for the security of Central Europe, the Black Sea region and the Euro-Atlantic security architecture as a whole.
Dmytro Kuleba and Antony Blinken exchanged ideas on further cooperation between Ukraine and the USA to address key global challenges, including countering COVID-19, combating climate change and protecting human rights.
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