- the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Didier Burkhalter said during negotiations on June 7 with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin.

Minister Pavlo Klimkin thanked Didier Burkhalter for his personal efforts to implement Swiss humanitarian projects for citizens of Ukraine who find themselves in difficult position resulting from Russian aggression in Donbas. "Humanitarian aid of Switzerland - a great example of true humanity and empathy. I am grateful to my counterpart Didier Burkhalter for his personal efforts to help children in Donbas "- said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Pavlo Klimkin stressed the important role of the Swiss colleague as a Chairman of the OSCE in 2014 in the establishment of the OSCE SMM in Donbas.

Discussing the present state of bilateral relations, both Ministers noted the positive dynamics of trade and economic relations and growth of Swiss investments (in 2016 increased by 8%) to Ukraine: Switzerland currently listed among 10 largest investors.

Ukrainian Side gratefully accepted Bern’s intention to continue providing technical assistance to ensure the effectiveness of reforms.

The parties also agreed to intensify cooperation in the issue of the return of assets frozen in Switzerland of former Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian-Swiss bilateral agreements on visa facilitation and readmission were signed during the negotiations. Both are designed to synchronize the bilateral legal framework on migration with Switzerland with the same standards operating between Ukraine and the EU. However, Ministers stressed that Switzerland will automatically be covered by EU decision on visa-free travel for Ukrainian nationals who have biometric passports for traveling abroad.