Today, October 31, Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko took part in the intergovernmental consultations between Ukraine and the Czech Republic, co-chaired by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala.

During the consultations, the parties discussed the deepening of cooperation between the Governments of Ukraine and the Czech Republic, the support for Ukraine in the conditions of a full-scale war, as well as the participation of the Czech Republic in the post-war reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine.

Sergii Marchenko thanked the Government of the Czech Republic for the systematic support and the visit to Ukraine in this historic and difficult time for our country.

“I am sincerely grateful to the Czech Republic for the support in protection of Ukrainian interests among the EU member states, in particular for the active support of financial assistance from the EU. We strive to further strengthen the partnership between our countries,” said Sergii Marchenko during his speech.

Also, during the consultations, the Government of the Czech Republic confirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine on the way to the European Union and joining NATO.

The Minister of Finance emphasized that today Ukraine needs additional external financing, and is working closely with international partners to ensure state borrowings.

The forecast of additional financing needs in 2023 is more than USD 3 billion per month. In this regard, Sergii Marchenko expressed his hope for the active participation of the Czech Republic in supporting the EU's decision to launch a new Macro-Financial Assistance program next year.

The Minister of Finance also told about the decisions and coordinated actions of the Government of Ukraine, which helped to stabilize the macroeconomic situation in the country: maximization of the state budget revenues, issuance of military bonds, attraction of USD 23.1 billion in external financing, of which 50% are grants, and savings of USD 6 billion thanks to the agreement with the creditors of Ukraine on the suspension of debt payments for 2 years.

Following the results of intergovernmental consultations between Ukraine and the Czech Republic, the parties signed a joint statement in which they emphasized their readiness to support work on a regular basis and structured EU budget assistance for Ukraine during 2023 to support macroeconomic stability and general stability of Ukraine in the context of russia's military aggression and subsequent economic challenges for Ukraine. The Government of the Czech Republic also confirmed its continued involvement in the restoration and reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, including through the upcoming Rebuild Ukraine platform.