A number of important meetings were held in Berlin, which may contribute to the restoration of Ukrainian infrastructure and economy in the near future. This was stated by Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development.
At a meeting with Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze, the parties discussed the progress of joint recovery projects aimed at rebuilding communities and supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
“We thanked for the upcoming assistance package of USD 195 million. An important aspect is the support for the decentralisation reform implemented by our team. A significant part of the reform was successful thanks to Germany’s systemic support. We are also interested in attracting German business to rebuild Ukraine, in particular through the mechanism of public-private partnership. One of the priority areas is to attract funding for the reconstruction of water supply and sewage networks,” said Oleksandr Kubrakov.
The Deputy Prime Minister also met with Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building Klara Geywitz.
“Germany has a strong experience in sustainable construction and the use of energy-efficient technologies. This is also a prerequisite for Ukraine’s recovery based on the ‘build back better’ principle. We noted that communities play a key role in comprehensive recovery. Our task is to strengthen their capacity and ensure the continuation of the dialogue with German partners. Indeed, we have more than 130 partnerships between Ukrainian and German cities. We have the support of Minister Geywitz, and we are strengthening our cooperation,” said Oleksandr Kubrakov following the meeting.
During the meeting with Jörg Kukies, State Secretary of the Federal Chancellery, Oleksandr Kubrakov thanked the German government for the insurance guarantee programme for investors.
“This is a strong signal to the whole world that it is not only possible but also necessary to work in Ukraine. We, for our part, ensure consistent implementation of reforms that will not only facilitate cooperation but also confirm our readiness for European integration. A special focus is on the preparation of the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Berlin in summer. We are preparing practical solutions for partnerships and launching programmes to improve the Ukrainian economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Following the meetings, Oleksandr Kubrakov emphasised: “We have both constructive proposals for developing cooperation and clear prospects for the future.”