The main purpose of the conference was to discuss and work out new approaches to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals related to water management and conservation of the oceans.

Within the conference, A.Mokhnyk held several meetings with representatives of international environmental organizations, environmental managers and environmental agencies of other countries, as well as the U.S. officials. In particular, a brief meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry took place.

 Also, A.Mokhnyk held separate bilateral meeting with the U.S. Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Ambassador Judith Garber. The parties discussed the prospects of further development of Ukraine-U.S. dialogue in this sphere, including the issue of technical assistance and environmental safety.

Mrs. Garber expressed the U.S. willingness to enhance cooperation with Ukraine in the sphere of environmental protection and improvement of Ukrainian environmental legislation.

A.Mokhnyk met with Dr. Naoko Ishii, the CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility and Jane Nishida, Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs. During the meeting, they discussed the issues of environment in the multilateral activities, information exchange and implementation of projects in the sphere of energy conservation and renewable energy in Ukraine.

In addition, A.Mokhnyk met with Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Olexander Motsyk to discuss the prospects of further development of Ukrainian-American cooperation on environmental protection, as well as providing assistance to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine from the Embassy in cooperation with the U.S. side. 

The visit also included a meeting of A.Mokhnyk with Ukrainian community in the U.S. and leaders of American energy and environmental companies.

The first visit of the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine to the United States became a valuable contribution to the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in environmental protection.

In the photo: Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine A.Mokhnyk and U.S. Secretary of State J.Kerry