In the course of the official visit to Italy, President Petro Poroshenko and his wife Maryna Poroshenko met with Ukrainian community of Italy.

The participants of the meeting took part in the prayer for peace and unity in Ukraine near St. Sophia’s Cathedral of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in Rome.

Petro and Maryna Poroshenko laid flowers to the monument to Taras Shevchenko.

Addressing the community, the Head of State thanked Ukrainians all over the world for their support and noted their role in consolidation of assistance and ensuring the victory of Ukraine. Particular gratitude was related to the times of the Revolution of Dignity and the aggression of Russia in Crimea and Donbas. According to the President, Russian aggression is rebuffed by the restored Armed Forces, the work of the Ukrainian government, diplomats and ordinary Ukrainians abroad. “Ukrainian community didn’t stay aside. The voice of Ukraine was heard all over Europe,” the President said.

The President thanked Ukrainian for such an active position but noted that it was only the beginning of work on ensuring sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. “The main challenges are ahead. I am sure that our resolute actions will lead to radical changes in Ukraine,” the Head of State emphasized.

According to the President, despite the fact the reforms have already been started, there is still much to be done, particularly on the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU. The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine was doing everything to ensure the visa-free regime with the EU.

The President informed that the purpose of his negotiations in Rome was to ensure peace process and further political support for reforms, especially on decentralization, struggle against corruption and judicial system. “Our final goal is simple – Ukraine wants to be a member of the EU. Thus, we need support in the sphere of reforms,” the Head of State emphasized. Also, in the course of the visit, the President will discuss the necessity of financial and military assistance for Ukraine.

The Head of State informed on the conclusion of a series of important Ukrainian-Italian documents, particularly the Agreement on the exchange of driving licenses that will simplify the given procedure and eliminate excessive bureaucracy.

Despite the announcement of terrorist threat to the Vatican, the President of Ukraine tomorrow will meet with Pope Francis.