Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba received in Odesa his colleagues – Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Nordic and Baltic states: Lars Løkke Rasmussen (Denmark), Þórdís Gylfadóttir (Iceland), Anniken Huitfeldt (Norway), Tobias Billström (Sweden), Margus Tsahkna (Estonia), Edgars Rinkēvičs (Latvia), Gabrielius Landsbergis (Lithuania), as well as Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign Ministry of Finland Kai Sauer.
The ministers took part in the forum “Restoration of Odesa” dedicated to the post-war reconstruction and development of the region.
In particular, Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: “I am very grateful that the Ministers responded to my proposal to participate in this conference. The more foreign governments, foreign assistance programs, and foreign businesses come to the Odessa region, the faster it will be possible to restore this beautiful region and our beloved city of Odessa.”
During his speech, Gennadiy Trukhanov spoke about the city′s energy security strategy, plans to build a waste processing plant and other infrastructure projects of Odessa.
The ministers also visited the port and the historical centre of Odesa, held negotiations on strengthening support for Ukraine. The key topics of the negotiations: start of training for Ukrainian pilots and the provision of F-16 aircrafts to Ukraine; implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the humanitarian program “Grain from Ukraine”; start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU in 2023; steps towards Ukraine’s NATO membership at the Vilnius summit; expansion of the coalition for the creation of the Special Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
In turn, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said: “Not so long ago, Denmark took the lead and supported the Baltic countries’ struggle for independence. A battle they won, which meant that today we can stand side by side in an equal and free partnership between the Nordic and Baltic countries. That is why it is so important that we continue to support Ukraine and stand side by side with the Ukrainians.”
“Success can only be achieved through partnership, as was the case with the Baltic states. Ukraine reminds us that freedom does not come for free. Freedom must be fought for. Fight for as long as needed. And while you are fighting, Denmark will be with you,” added the Danish Foreign Minister.
Photo Credit: Odesa City Council