Prime
Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during a meeting with Secretary of State
of the United States John Kerry discussed Ukraine's progress on the path of
reform.
At a joint meeting
of Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy with John Kerry, Volodymyr
Groysman thanked the United States for supporting the Ukrainian Government on
its path of reforms, which he felt during his visit to the USA, as well as the steadfast
support in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Volodymyr
Groysman pointed out that the new Government, formed less than three months
ago, launched a range of reforms, "which were not held in the country for
decades." "Our Government is committed to carrying out reforms,"
he
stressed.
The Prime
Minister noted that the Government had taken a number of important decisions,
including the deregulation of gas price in the country. "We are following
the path of the transformation of Ukraine into a modern reformed country,"
he underlined.
He also
said that the Government was committed to combating corruption.
Volodymyr
Groysman thanked the United States of America for its support and assistance in
the amount of USD 220 million, which was announced during his visit to the USA.
The Prime
Minister stressed that the Government had already launched a reform of the
Ukrainian customs aimed at converting it into a transparent and effective
service. He informed that in Ukraine there are 11 experts of customs and border
services from the United States who assist in the implementation of this
reform.
The Prime
Minister informed that the Kyiv Commercial Court of Appeal lifted the arrest of
accounts of the company Energoatom, which will allow it to fulfill the
financial obligations to the American and European partners, including loan
agreements and restore the confidence of foreign banks.
He also
noted that the Government began the privatization of state-owned enterprises,
including the preparation of the auction for the privatization of JSC Odesa
Portside Plant.
The Prime
Minister emphasized that the Ukrainian economy has potential for growth.
John Kerry,
in turn, expressed support for Ukrainian reforms. He noted that the reforms
help Ukraine attract investment and ensure economic growth. This, in
particular, shows the forecast of economic growth by 1.5% in this year and 3%
in 2017.
The sides also discussed the "Minsk process", as well as the US support to Ukraine in the defense sector.