Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman met with Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Bohuslav Sobotka in the framework of his working visit to Poland to participate in the 26-th Economic Forum in Krynica Zdrój, on 6 September. The sides discussed a number of issues to enhance cooperation in trade and economic spheres.

Volodymyr Groysman confirmed an invitation for Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Bohuslav Sobotka to pay an official visit to Ukraine.

The Head of Government pledged Ukraine's interest in strengthening cooperation with the Czech Republic, in particular in infrastructure, business and defence areas.

Discussing the prospects of deepening trade and economic cooperation, the parties agreed to resume the work of Ukrainian-Czech Intergovernmental Commission on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation and to hold its meeting in Ukraine in the near future.

Focusing on the status of implementation of the Minsk agreements and sanctions against the Russian Federation, the Prime Minister reassured Ukraine abides by the Minsk deals. At the same time, he accentuated that Russia fails to fulfill the commitments, in particular regarding cease-fire, withdrawal of troops and weapons, and the release of Ukrainian prisoners.

In this context, the Prime Minister thanked for the support of Ukraine by the Czechia and personal contribution of Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka.

The sides tackled topical issues of Ukraine-EU agenda, in particular liberalization of the visa regime and the ratification of the Association Agreement of Ukraine with the European Union. Volodymyr Groysman called on the Czech Republic to make every effort in supporting Ukraine.

The sides also stressed the importance of the appointment of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine in the Czech Republic.

Moreover, the Prime Minister briefed the interlocutors on the progress of Ukraine on the path of reforms. Notably, the Government achieved progress in the decentralization reform, combating corruption in public finance, launched a judicial reform and retrofitting of energy industry, started privatization and the formation of the Ukrainian troops.

"We are committed to the reform process, economic development, improving welfare of our citizens, the continued cooperation with the International Monetary Fund. We are optimistic about the future despite Russian intervention", summed up Volodymyr Groysman.