The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Ukrainian World Congress inked a Memorandum of Cooperation. The relevant arrangements were made between Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and UWC President Paul Grod during an online meeting on 10 December.

"The concerted effort and coordinated work of Ukrainian communities abroad are of paramount importance. I want to emphasize the importance of prolonging joint activities to defend Ukraine's interests in the world," stressed Denys Shmyhal.

According to the Memorandum, the parties agreed to develop and support cooperation, in particular, in the development of trade and economic relations of Ukraine with other countries, attracting investment in the Ukrainian economy, restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine, building civil society in Ukraine, developing Ukrainian public life in the diaspora.

"Concluding and further implementing the provisions of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Ukrainian World Congress will facilitate strengthening the interaction of the Ukrainian state with Ukrainians living abroad, protect the rights and interests of Ukrainians abroad, promote Ukraine in the world," said the Prime Minister.

During the meeting, Denys Shmyhal and UWC representatives discussed Ukraine's foreign policy priorities, current challenges, and key areas for further cooperation.

For his part, the Prime Minister noted that the priorities of the Government's cooperation include leveraging foreign investment in Ukraine and promoting Ukrainian exports, promoting Ukraine's trade opportunities in the world, and attracting the influence of the Ukrainian diaspora to help Ukraine fight the COVID-19 pandemic, support of Ukrainian schooling abroad and popularization of the Ukrainian language.

"The support provided by the Ukrainian World Congress is a solid foundation for the development of a democratic society and allows the two countries to strengthen political and economic ties," the Prime Minister said.

According to Denys Shmyhal, the Government is committed to maintain cooperation and use all opportunities to promote Ukraine in the world and build a successful state.

The Head of Government thanked the Ukrainian World Congress for its longstanding and meaningful support of Ukraine, as well as for significant contribution to the formation and development of an independent Ukrainian state.