Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Canada Volodymyr Groysman and Justin Trudeau discussed the prospects for deepening economic cooperation between the two countries at a meeting in Kyiv on Monday.

In the beginning of the meeting, Volodymyr Groysman said that the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, which was held today, is a new page of economic relations between the countries. "We will strive to make our cooperation effective, particularly with regard to bilateral trade, investment attraction," he stated.

The Head of Ukrainian Government noted the importance of establishing bilateral projects with Canada in various areas, particularly in the aerospace industry. "It would be very good signals for business circles of our countries. We could launch a number of specific projects. I want to emphasize that we will make every effort to make these projects successful. We are interested in the success of investments and projects that can come in Ukraine," he stressed.

The Prime Minister informed the leadership of the Government of Canada about the actions undertaken by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine as to carrying out reforms. In particular, he highlighted the formation of the necessary basis for the effective fight against corruption, opening of registries, decentralization of power, the launch of the reforms of the civil service, the judiciary, the energy sector, public procurement, as well as public privatization of state enterprises. The Government pays special attention to achieving economic growth, underlined Volodymyr Groysman.

He stressed the importance of Canada's support and training of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in context of Russia’s military aggression. The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for expansion of cooperation in the defense sector.

"Our goal today is to create a proper level of defense in order to prevent anyone who has aggressive plans from attacking Ukraine. Ukraine has to be strong," he highlighted.

The Head of Government noted that Ukraine underwent military aggression by the Russian Federation, which "by its armed forces, its weapons, invaded the territory of the sovereign state." In this context, he emphasized that the leadership of democratic countries must prevent abuse of sovereignty, human rights and international law in the 21st century.

The Prime Minister also noted that Ukrainian Crimea, which was a resort, after the Russia’s annexation has become "a powerful military base."

Volodymyr Groysman underlined the essential role of technical and political support of Canada for the reconstruction of Ukraine as a European country on its path of reform and transformation. "I am deeply convinced that this visit will have a good continuation and enhance cooperation between our countries," he said.

The Prime Minister separately thanked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for participation in the Canada-Ukrainian Business Forum, held on June 20-21 in Toronto. "Our economic relations have a great potential and can have a very good progress," he pointed out.

During the meeting, the Prime Ministers discussed the ratification of the FTA. They expressed hope that the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine will be quickly ratified by the Parliaments of both countries and will start its practical implementation.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also assured that Canada will continue supporting Ukraine.