Estonia demonstrates multifaceted solidarity with Ukraine, commends the Government's commitment to the chosen course of reforms and expresses readiness to continue the support for our state on the path of positive transformations. This was stated by President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid during a meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman. The meeting took place within the framework of the official visit of the President of Estonia to Ukraine.

"I'm happy to be here in Ukraine. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate solidarity and support, especially in the context of reforms. We commend a pension reform, decentralization, reform of the tax system. We commend your commitment to reforms", said Mrs. Kersti Kaljulaid.

She noted that we also show off friendly relations in the economy - the mutual trade between our countries has the potential for growth. "I am optimistic about the potential in cooperation between our countries", the President noted.

The Head of Government thanked the President of Estonia for the acknowledgement of work, informed about the current economic situation, cited the indicators of economic growth and told about further plans of the Government.

"Ukraine is a reliable friend and partner for Estonia", said Volodymyr Groysman. "Currently we are facing unprecedented challenges. But I believe that all countries should uphold and fight for shared values. For Ukraine, the core target is integration into the EU."

The Head of Government noted that the Government is actually building a new state today - reforms have been launched in a number of spheres. Unfortunately, all changes are taking place amid constant countering hybrid aggression. "Truly speaking, we are forced to spend 5% of GDP only on security and defense. Unprecedented funds", stressed Volodymyr Groysman.

"Back then, we somewhat underestimated the threat facing Ukraine, but now our strategy is to remain committed to the European values and policies of sanctions against the aggressor country", the President of Estonia said.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed a wide range of geopolitical and economic issues, including the possibility of a joint action to prevent the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, as well as to promote the Ukrainian gas transit system. The issues of building anticorruption infrastructure in Ukraine in the context of protecting the rights and property of investors have been in focus as well.

Background

The Republic of Estonia is among top 30 trade partners of Ukraine, first and foremost, among European countries. According to the national export strategy, Estonia joined the list of promising markets. On the outcomes of 2017, the export of Ukrainian goods and services to Estonia increased by 34.1% and amounted to $ 177.8 million. A positive trade balance makes up $ 33.3 million. The export structure encapsulates electric machines, ferrous metals, wood and wood products, finished agricultural products, mineral fuels, oil and petroleum products. At the beginning of this year, the total volume of Estonian investment in the Ukrainian economy amounted to $ 228.6 million. Resources have been invested in industry, wholesale and retail trade, repair of vehicles and motorcycles, real estate operations, transport enterprises, postal services, information and telecommunications sector. Cooperation in the field of information and communication technologies, energy efficiency and energy conservation, the transport sector, especially in cargo transportation, including the use of capacities of the container train "ZUBR", asset privatization is of great interest to Estonia.