The Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal discussed the strengthening of trade and economic, energy cooperation and counteraction to the Russian aggression with the representatives of the German authorities.

The meeting, which took place on May 24, was attended by the co-leader of the Alliance ‘90/The Greens party Robert Habeck, MEP Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, members of the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany Omid Nouripour and Manuel Sarratsin.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine noted that Germany ranks first among Ukraine’s trade partners in the EU. He added that Ukraine seeks to further use the common potential to expand cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations.

Moreover, according to the Prime Minister, Ukraine is interested in expanding cooperation with Germany in the energy sector.

"We have already made significant work in this area. In August last year, Ukraine and Germany signed a joint statement on establishing an Energy Partnership. It provides for in-depth cooperation in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, decarbonisation and climate change, hydrogen economy, transformation of coal regions," noted Denys Shmyhal.

According to the Prime Minister, Ukraine has 61 coal regions that depend on mono-enterprises. He thanked Germany for its assistance in promoting the fair transformation of the coal regions in Ukraine.

"This year we are launching two pilot projects in the mines. This reform will help create new jobs and promote decarbonisation. Ukraine stands firmly on the principles of the European Green Deal," the Prime Minister stressed.

Denys Shmyhal also stressed that Ukraine's priority objective in the energy sector is to join ENTSO-E. According to him, the synchronization of the Ukrainian energy system with the European network in 2023 is a vital step for Ukraine, which the Government is currently actively working on.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Germany's support in counteracting aggression by the Russian Federation and the German side's involvement in the Crimean Platform initiative.