Prime Ministers of Ukraine and the Republic of Croatia Denys Shmyhal and Andrej Plenković discussed the deepening partnership between the two countries in the political, economic and security spheres.
The meeting took place on 29 January as part of the official visit of the Head of Ukrainian Government to Croatia.
Cooperation in the energy sector was one of the key topics of discussion.
“We expect that Croatian energy companies will also contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine. Today we have discussed the practical possibilities of this issue,” said Denys Shmyhal.
The parties also addressed strengthening Europe’s energy security.
“This concerns the use of Ukrainian gas storage facilities, which are the largest on the continent – 31 billion cubic metres. This can become a strong gas safe for Europe, where Croatia can store its own gas resources. I am confident that this area of cooperation has significant prospects,” Denys Shmyhal said.
The Prime Ministers also spoke about speeding up peace in Ukraine and holding the aggressor to account.
“’Peace through strength’ is the approach around which we must unite,” said Denys Shmyhal, adding that russia understood only the language of force and was not going to retreat unless it was adequately repelled.
That is why, according to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Ukraine needs more weapons and assistance to defend itself, as well as increased sanctions against russia to weaken it.
“It is important to continue countering the russian shadow fleet. It is not only a tool for circumventing sanctions used by the putin regime, but also a means of harming NATO member states,” said Denys Shmyhal.
He said that an agreement had been reached to explore the possibility of establishing a joint Ukrainian-Croatian working group to monitor the illegal activities of the russian “shadow fleet”.
In addition, Ukraine and Croatia will work together to make russia pay for its aggression.
“Croatia has already supported the work of the International Register of Damage and our efforts to ensure that all frozen russian assets are fully confiscated and used to support our resilience, defence and recovery. I am confident that this cooperation will be strengthened in the future,” the Head of Ukrainian Government stressed.
Denys Shmyhal thanked Croatia for the military assistance provided and the preparation of the new package. He also stressed that support in the area of demining was important for Ukraine.
According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, 67 Croatian demining machines have already been delivered to Ukraine and that last year the production of components for them began.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine also thanked the Government of Croatia for the treatment and rehabilitation of Ukraine’s defenders.
“We are interested in using Croatian experience in rehabilitation, social integration and psychological support for veterans. We appreciate the readiness to organise and host the first international veterans’ conference,” he said.