On March 1, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman had a meeting with heads of diplomatic missions of G7 States. The sides exchanged views on the lines of deepening cooperation.

The Prime Minister informed the representatives of the G7 States on the results of pursuing reforms in Ukraine. In particular, he told that the economic situation was stabilized in the country, the trend towards gradual economic growth was observed. Notably, in the IV quarter the country's GDP rose by around 4.5%. Apart from that, the compliance of main showings of the State budget for 2016 was ensured.

Among other things, the meeting participants tackled topical issues of the reform agenda in Ukraine, in particular a budget sector, health system, public procurement system, creation of electricity market, upgrading Financial Investigation Service and the like.

Heads of diplomatic missions of G7 States commended the efforts of the Government in the process of implementation of reforms and the progress. They reassured of support by G7 States on the way of crucial transformations.

"I want to start by acknowledging the important path of reforms undertaken by your Government and underline that we strongly support your efforts,” said Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Ukraine Mr. Davide La Cecilia. He added that the G7 Ambassadors support group highly evaluates the tremendous efforts, the tremendous reform agenda that the Government is pursuing in the face of the significant opposition. In particular, he evaluated the progress made towards stabilization of the exchange rate, accumulation of reserves, a reform of the banking sector: “These are crucial elements to ensure Ukraine restoring economic growth."

During the negotiations the parties discussed the escalation of hostilities in east of Ukraine and the humanitarian situation. Volodymyr Groysman noted that only during the last 24 hours the Ukrainian positions had been shelled for over 100 times, which caused casualties among the Ukrainian military.

"Russia continues to supply weapons, soldiers, financial resources to further aggravate the situation," said Volodymyr Groysman.

Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine Mr. Karim Morcos praised the leadership of the Prime Minister revealed in the process of settlement of the situation in Avdiyivka that had suffered electricity cutoffs after attacks by militants. He also commended the efforts of the Ministry of the Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine in the solution of problematic issues.

"After the Ministry of the Temporarily Occupied Territories has been established, we saw that your team could have coped with complex issues. We were impressed by the level of coordination and interaction with the international community," he accentuated.

The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Canada in Ukraine also welcomed the adoption by the Government of the Plan of measures aimed at supporting the population in the uncontrolled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Moreover, the parties considered an energy and economic blockade Ukraine is facing. At its meeting today the Government adopted necessary resolutions to make the procedure of transportation of goods through the demarcation line open and under control by public organizations, informed his interlocutors the Prime Minister.

Volodymyr Groysman thanked G7 States for the unanimous support for Ukraine and fruitful cooperation.

"Our Government and the Prime Minister are committed to continue our efforts, to pursue the undertaken reforms," he summed up.