The President of Ukraine thanked the Prime Minister of Canada for his continued support for Ukraine and emphasized positive movements in their bilateral relations after Stephen Harper’s visit to Ukraine on 6 June.
In particular, the President of Ukraine welcomed the joint efforts of Ukraine and Canada that allowed speeding up the preparation of the Free Trade Agreement. Stephen Harper thanked the President for instructions given to the Prime Minister of Ukraine for signing such an important Agreement. The President of Ukraine and the the Prime Minister of Canada agreed that it would open up new economic opportunities for both countries and emphasized the need for further expansion and enhancement of their cooperation.
Petro Poroshenko and Stephen Harper discussed the situation in Donbas. The President of Ukraine appreciated Canada’s assistance in equipping and training the Ukrainian military officers, their treatment, rehabilitation, and provision of medical equipment. The President also emphasized the importance of enhancing the defence capability of Ukraine required to curb further escalation.
President Poroshenko said that Ukraine strictly adhered to the Minsk agreements, and in particular the launched constitutional reform would cover the decentralization issue. However, the other party has violated the ceasefire agreement and people were being held hostage, including Nadiya Savchenko.
The President and the Prime Minister also mentioned the approaching anniversary of the MH17 tragedy. President Poroshenko stressed the importance of establishing an international tribunal to prosecute those behind the crime.