"The decision on visa-free travels for citizens of Ukraine is not only a recognition of the European reforms in Ukraine, but also a new level of trust between Ukraine and Europe" - such was the leitmotif of the meeting on June 14th in Odesa between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Pavlo Klimkin of Ukraine, Margot Wallström of Sweden and Linas Linkevicius of Lithuania in the framework of their joint visit to the city.

Amid the recent entry into force of the visa-free travel regime for the citizens of Ukraine an important aspect of the visit was the expression of further support to the Ukrainian people in the implementation of reforms based on the Association Agreement by Ministers Margot Wallström and Linas Linkevicius.

Pavlo Klimkin noted with high appreciation the contribution of colleagues from Sweden and Lithuania in support of the interests of Ukraine in the European institutions, particularly in approvement of the decision on visa-free regime.

The prospects for deepening cooperation of Odesa region with Lithuania, Sweden and other EU member states became the main issue of the meeting. During a meeting with the Head of Odesa regional State Administration Maxym Stepanov attention was focused on the realization of the Region’s potential in tourism. In this regard, Minister Linas Linkevicius pointed to the considerable popularity of the Odesa region among Lithuanians, confirmed by the introduction of direct seasonal flights Vilnius-Odessa on June 15th.

Margot Wallström underlined the interest of Swedish business to increase its activities on Ukrainian market and called on citizens of Ukraine to implement reforms more actively to create a favorable business climate.

During Ministers’ communication with students of the Odessa I.I.Mechnikov National University Pavlo Klimkin called on colleagues from Lithuania and Sweden to support the initiative to create new opportunities particularly associated with financial conditions for studies of Ukrainian youth in European universities.

The Ministers also participated in the inauguration of the Lithuanian Fair in Odesa and visited the hospital of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.