The Foreign Minister assured of Ukraine’s readiness for a comprehensive development of the strategic partnership with the United States and invited the Secretary of State to visit Kyiv this year to hold the next session of the Strategic Partnership Commission at the level of foreign ministers.

L.Kozhara informed of the implementation of major reforms in our country, aimed at introducing European standards in all aspects of life. The Minister stressed the strategic importance of the signing of the Association and the Free Trade Agreement with the EU in November 2013.

J.Kerry outlined the support by the United States for the European integration course of Ukraine and highlighted the importance of the implementation of the EU recommendations that will enable the signing of the Association Agreement. The Secretary of State said that the key to further rapprochement between Ukraine and the EU is to continue cooperation on strengthening the foundations of democracy and the rule of law.

The Secretary of State emphasized that the U.S. appreciates Ukraine’s contribution to the cause of nuclear disarmament, international non-proliferation, peacekeeping activities, including participation in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

J.Kerry assured that the United States views Ukraine as an important partner in the OSCE region and is prepared to render political and practical support to implement the priorities of the Ukrainian OSCE Chairmanship in 2013. In this context, the parties discussed, in particular, the settlement of «frozen conflicts» and the problems in the Human Dimension.

Also, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine and Secretary of State of the United States stressed the importance of further deepening bilateral economic cooperation, especially in energy and agriculture.

In the photo: Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, OSCE Chairperson-in-office Leonid Kozhara and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry