
Volodymyr Groysman on the results of his visit to the USA: Trust in Ukraine is back
Ukraine has
great trust and support of the United States in all important areas. Prime Minister
of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said this at a press conference on Tuesday following
his working visit to the United States, June 14-17.
"Following
this visit, the main thing that I have felt – indeed, the trust in Ukraine is back.
The USA has welcomed the start of the new Government’s work, change of the
Prosecutor General, the beginning of the judicial reform. We have a quite
serious widespread support in all areas, including defense, from the United
States," he pointed out.
Working
visit to the United States took place at the invitation of U.S. Vice President
Joe Biden and lasted for about three days, Volodymyr Groysman noted.
During this
time about 30 meetings were held and were discussed a range of important issues
and areas for further cooperation. In particular, the Prime Minister met with U.S.
Vice President Joe Biden, Speaker of the U.S. Congress Paul Ryan, U.S. Treasury
Secretary Jack Lew, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, Energy Secretary Ernest
Moniz, the leadership of the US Agency for International Development (USAID),
World Bank as well as American business representatives and members of the
American Chamber of Commerce. Volodymyr Groysman also participated in the
conference of the Center for US-Ukrainian relations Providing Ukraine with an
Annual Report Card, he informed.
"The
main goal was to reaffirm support of the United States in such a difficult time
for our independence. We separately discussed
those areas of our cooperation, which enable us to effectively carry out
reforms and support in areas that are extremely important," said Volodymyr
Groysman.
In
particular, it was decided that the United States would provide an additional $220
million assistance to Ukraine in support of carrying out reforms. The assistance
will be directed to bolster judicial reform and the reform of the customs service,
as well as energy independence and decentralization, the Prime Minister
informed.
The United
States of America reaffirmed support for Ukraine in countering Russian
aggression and maintaining sanctions against the Russian Federation.
Moreover,
the World Bank jointly with the Government will develop a strategy for the development
of Ukrainian roads, Volodymyr Groysman informed.
Among the other
agreements reached following the visit to the US - visit of the technical
mission of representatives of the Customs Service of the United States to
Ukraine regarding the reform of the customs service from 28 June to 11 July, aimed
at working out technical requirements for the modernization of Ukrainian
customs.
Commenting
on the agreements in the economic sphere, Volodymyr Groysman said that the Deputy
Commerce Secretary of the USA would visit Ukraine soon. The U.S. Department of
Commerce, in particular, will assist in the creation of an investment support office
under the Prime Minister.
Volodymyr
Groysman pointed out that American business has a great interest in Ukraine,
particularly in the IT sector, agriculture, infrastructure, as well as the
privatization of JSC Odesa Portside Plant.
"We
have not used all our ability to attract investments into the Ukrainian
economy. Therefore, through the Commerce Department, through the creation of
this office we can say that Ukraine may attract new investments," said the
Prime Minister .