President Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel discussed prospects of future European integration of Ukraine and the EU’s assistance in this issue.

Following the negotiations, the President noted: “Luxembourg’s presidency in the EU provides us with additional opportunities and we will definitely use them. We share the same view on this process. It can’t be different, for it goes about the relationship with the EU and Ukraine considers itself a reliable and constant member of the European family. For this end, we implement reforms in the country”. According to the President, the Ukrainian issue will be included in the agenda of the next session of the European Council on Foreign Relations on November 16-17. “It is very important for us,” he said.

The Head of State called the Prime Minister of Luxembourg a good friend of Ukraine and thanked this country and the EU in general for constant and firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

The President informed the Prime Minister of Luxembourg on the reforms in Ukraine and emphasized that Ukraine counted on Luxembourg’s support in that process given its presidency in the EU.

The parties discussed the implementation of the Minsk agreements and the situation in the ATO area. “Despite 1.5 months of ceasefire, unfortunately, we still have wounded and killed soldiers. We must make every effort to ensure sustainability of truce and fulfillment of all items of the Minsk agreements, inter alia, by Russia,” Petro Poroshenko said.

According to the President, currently the withdrawal of tanks, artillery of caliber less than 100 mm and mortar launchers is taking place. He stressed the need for providing unimpeded access to the occupied territories, including the border, for the OSCE SMM. The President thanked the EU and Luxembourg in particular for supporting the activity of the OSCE SMM in Ukraine.

The parties discussed sanctions against Russia. “We emphasize that sanctions are an efficient mechanism to ensure the implementation of the Minsk agreements,” the President said adding that all items of the Minsk agreements must be implemented in full.

The Head of State thanked Luxembourg for its contribution to the NATO Trust Funds that help reform the security and defense sector of Ukraine in the issues of social adaptation of servicemen wounded in the ATO area and utilization of small arms.

The parties also discussed the process of elections in Ukraine. “It is crucial for us to ensure free expression of will during these elections of October 25,” the President noted.

Speaking of the elections in Donbas, the President emphasized: “We insist that the elections, which should take place in the territory free of occupation, must also meet the criteria and standards of the ODIHR/OSCE. IDPs should have the right to vote. Ukrainian political forces must have an opportunity to operate in the territory free of occupation. Ukrainian media should ensure campaign during the preparation for elections in the liberated territory”.

The President noted significant progress in bilateral relations with Luxembourg and compromise in the implementation of the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation. The document will be signed shortly.

The President said that Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union would play a historic role. In December, the Council will provide its conclusion on the liberalization of visa regime with Ukraine. “I am hopeful that the conclusion will be positive for us,” the Head of State stressed.