Germany sees Ukraine as a reliable gas transit country and an important trading partner in the Eastern European region. This is precisely why the Government of Germany will continue to support Kyiv on a wide range of issues, including the continuation of policy of sanctions against the aggressor-country. This statement was made by Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany Peter Altmaier in the course of a meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman. The meeting took place in Kyiv as a part of the Minister's visit to Ukraine.

"We must respect the interests of Ukraine, including financial, to develop safeguards in order to continue transit of gas through the territory of Ukraine and to achieve positive results," the Federal Minister stressed.

In turn, the  Head of Government emphasized that Kyiv praises the support of Germany in such a critical time for Ukraine. "I want to commend the staunchest stance of the Federal Government and the Chancellor Angela Merkel in supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine", the Prime Minister stressed. "I would like to underline the positive dynamics of bilateral economic relations. But I'm sure that we can increase the volume of bilateral trade and invest more heavily in the economy of our countries".

Speaking about the transit potential of Ukraine, the capacities of the Ukrainian gas transport system, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Russian project for the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is far from a commercial project.

Nord Stream 2 is exceptionally a geopolitical structure designed to exert political pressure on Ukraine and Europe and to pose a direct threat to the Ukrainian state, assures the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

"For Russia, this is a lucrative project that, in the long run, will ensure the dependence of the whole Europe on Russia. And there is no specific guarantee that Nord Stream 2 isn’t intended to serve political purposes. Meanwhile, I guarantee that the Ukrainian GTS has been and will remain a reliable transit partner and provide 100% gas delivery to European consumers. We are prepared to modernize and manage our gas transit system in synergy with international partners", added Volodymyr Groysman.

"We rely on Ukraine as a transporter," stressed Peter Altmaier.