Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin held consultations with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic Paolo Gentiloni who is paying a visit to Ukraine.

During the meeting the Parties stressed on the full implementation of the Minsk agreements for settling the situation in the east of Ukraine. In this regard, the Italian side emphasized its unfailing support of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The Parties discussed the implementation of structural reforms in Ukraine, having expressed mutual conviction that the reformed Ukraine is important for the EU. Italy confirmed its determination to adhere to a common EU position to conduct sanctions policy against Russia.

Ministers discussed prospects for ratification of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement in the near future by the Italian Parliament as well as possible directions of bilateral cooperation in order to implement it.

The Foreign Ministers agreed to hold the VIII meeting of Ukrainian-Italian Council on Economic, Industrial and Financial Cooperation, which they chair, in the coming months in Kiev.

It was agreed that the following key issues of bilateral relations will be on the agenda of the Council meeting: cooperation in the field of energy, agriculture, finance, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as regional cooperation.

Minister Gentiloni noted that Ukraine is a strategic partner of Italy in the energy sector and expressed support for development of practical cooperation between Ukrainian and Italian companies in this field.