President Petro Poroshenko has held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy Paolo Gentiloni. According to the President, without the support of Italy, it is impossible to achieve the unity of the EU in its solidarity with Ukraine.

The parties have discussed the ratification of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement by the EU countries and the implementation of this Agreement by Ukraine. The Head of State has urged Italy to accelerate the ratification of the Agreement by the two houses of the Parliament. 17 countries have already ratified this document. On May 7, the Senate of France will consider the ratification. “Taking into account high level of our bilateral relations, we expect positive decision from the Italian Parliament,” Petro Poroshenko said.

Having informed that on May 12, the results of the evaluation mission on the fulfillment of obligations on the visa-free regime with the EU by Ukraine would be published, the President has noted that Ukraine expected to receive positive conclusions and suggested defining concrete date for its introduction and concrete steps that should be done by Ukraine by that time. “Final document of the Summit in Riga should meet the new dynamics of relations between Ukraine and the European Union,” the President said. Petro Poroshenko is hopeful that Italy will support Ukraine in this issue.

The Italian Foreign Minister has expressed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for its movement towards visa liberalization with the EU.

The President has recalled the visit to Ukraine of Prime Minister Matteo Renzo and expressed gratitude to Italy for its support of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The President also appreciates that Italy supports the necessity of full implementation of the Minsk agreements for the resolution of the situation in Donbas.

All international observers confirm full compliance with the Minsk agreements by Ukraine and non-fulfilment of the Minsk agreements by Russian-backed militants, as stated by Petro Poroshenko. The President has informed on the intention of militants to organize military parade on May 9 with involvement of heavy weaponry. He emphasizes that holding such event near the collision line is absolutely unacceptable.

The parties have also discussed bilateral cooperation. The President has informed on the progress of Ukraine on the track of reforms, particularly in privatization and struggle against corruption. He assures that privatization is fully transparent and open. The President has urged Italy to invest in the Ukrainian economy.

Paolo Gentiloni has expressed support to Ukraine on the track of reforms and praised the achievements of Petro Poroshenko, inter alia, in the struggle against corruption. The Italian Foreign Minister has noted that Ukraine would first of all secure the interests of its citizens due to the reforms. The stronger Ukraine is, the less chances will be given to those trying to destabilize it, as stated by the Italian Foreign Minister.