On September 10 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belgium to Ukraine Alex Lenaerts presented copies of his Credential letters to the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs on the European Integration Olena Zerkal.

During the meeting the diplomats noted an active political dialogue between the two countries as well as the sustainable positive dynamics of the trade and economic cooperation, indicating the 9% growth in the first half of 2018 comparing to the same period of 2017. It was also emphasized on the considerable potential of investments and business collaboration with a view to implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.

Ambassador of Belgium underlined his country’s determination to assist in realization by Ukraine of the European integration course.

Olena Zerkal expressed gratitude to Belgium for the support of our country in upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity under the Russian aggression. She apprised the Belgian colleague of the security situation in Donbas and stressed the importance of further interaction in countering hybrid threats including in the sphere of information security.

They have also discussed the issues of energy cooperation of Ukraine and the EU including counter measures in connection with construction by Russia of the Nord Stream 2. In this regard, Olena Zerkal expressed hope that Belgium would support Ukraine’s position in the shaping of joint legal stance with the EU.