Ukraine’s European perspective, strengthening trade and economic relations and the development of green energy were discussed during a telephone conversation between the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and the Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer.

The Head of the Ukrainian Government stressed that on January 24, Ukraine and Austria mark the 30th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations.

"Our intergovernmental cooperation is a shining example of the strength and effectiveness of the Ukrainian-Austrian partnership. In this regard, I hope that Austria will shortly become another country to support Ukraine's European perspective on a bilateral basis, and the declaration will be signed during a meeting with the President of Ukraine," Denys Shmyhal said and invited Karl Nehammer to pay an official visit to Ukraine.

The Prime Minister noted that in the future Ukraine aspires to become the main supplier of green hydrogen to Europe, so our country is counting on the political support of Austria in implementing a project to produce green hydrogen in Ukraine.

During the conversation, the parties also discussed the increase in trade between the countries. According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, since last year, bilateral trade has started to restore after facing the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"According to the results of 11 months of last year, the trade turnover between our countries amounted to more than USD 1.6 billion. We have set an ambitious goal to increase the trade turnover to USD 2 billion in 2022," the Prime Minister of Ukraine said.

Denys Shmyhal emphasized that there is great potential for expanding Ukrainian-Austrian business and investment cooperation. In particular, he invited the Chancellor of Austria to launch an annual Ukrainian-Austrian business forum under the patronage of the two governments. The first forum is planned during the official visit to Ukraine.

For his part, Karl Nehammer supported the idea of holding such an event and reaffirmed his intention to visit Ukraine this year.