"The Netherlands support maintaining the EU sanctions on Russia as the perpetrator against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Stef Blok stated during the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko on October 10 in Kyiv.

Stef Blok has also underlined that the Netherlands do not recognize annexation of Crimea by Russia and do not accept the Russian aggression in Donbas. Any changes in the EU sanctions policy towards Russia should be dependent on the changes in the behavior of the Russian Federation.

The heads of the ministries of foreign affairs noted the high level of collaboration between Ukraine and the Netherlands in the investigation of the downing of the Malaysian airlines flight MH17 with regard to the judicial process to begin in March 2020 in the Netherlands.

The Dutch side clarified the motivation of the decision of the lower chamber of the Dutch parliament concerning the additional study of the situation with the airspace management in Donbas on the day of the tragedy. However, the Dutch minister assured that the relevant actions of the Russian Federation will be subject to the investigation as well.

Ministers commended the cooperation in the trade and economic, and investments spheres. Joint steps for further attraction of the Dutch investments in the economy of Ukraine have been estimated.

Minister Stef Block underlined the interest of his country in continuing providing practical assistance to reforms in Ukraine. In this regard the assistance projects in the rule of law, water management and agriculture were discussed, including in the context of efforts aimed at the restoration of the infrastructure in Donbas. The Dutch side confirmed the readiness for providing assistance in the treatment and rehabilitation of the wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

The sides discussed the preparations for the 2020 Invictus Games in The Hague, in which the Ukrainian National Team will participate.