Despite all the difficulties, Ukraine and Germany demonstrate intensive cooperation, and the interaction of the two countries is rather good. This was stated by the President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman.

"We attach great importance to the reforms that are being implemented (in Ukraine). And we know that you fully support this progress", said the President of Germany.

"Your visit is the next step for strengthening our bilateral relations, which already show good dynamics and have great potential", said Volodymyr Groysman in turn.

The Head of Government added that Ukraine had changed substantially since the last visit of the President of Germany to Kyiv. Volodymyr Groysman briefed the President of Germany about the course of transformations and the results of the reforms implementation, in particular that of civil service and decentralization held with the active support of the Government of Germany.

H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier in his reply reminded that Ukraine is included in the Coalition Agreement for the formation of the German Government as a separate point, and the territorial integrity of our state has always been undisputable value. Here, the position of Berlin remains steadfast.

"The annexation of Crimea, the continuation of the war in the east ... Both we and Ukraine feel the burden", said the President of Germany. "I can assert that we have a heavy heart about the territorial integrity, security of Ukraine. You can count on our support."

During the negotiations, the parties discussed a wide range of cooperation issues. Particular attention was paid to the project Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as a potentially dangerous initiative, which poses a direct threat to consumers in Germany and throughout Europe.

The more so, the sides noted the strengthening of bilateral economic cooperation, which is actively promoted by the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and other business associations. H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized, they serve a guide for German business in Ukraine.

Background 

Germany ranking the fourth largest economy of the world is among the top 5 investors in Ukraine’s economy. There are in effect 85 interstate documents between Ukraine and Germany. The Ukrainian-German High-Level Group on Economic Cooperation has been working, and in October 2016 the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established.

Germany invests in industrial enterprises, transport, warehousing, postal services, financial and insurance activities, trade, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. In 2017 bilateral foreign trade turnover of goods and services increased by 22.8% - to USD 7.91 billion. Key Ukrainian export items to Germany include: electric machinery, agricultural products, clothing and knitwear, ores and slags, metals, timber and timber products.