On November 14, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa held a meeting with Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers.

Mariana Betsa and Jaco Cilliers discussed the possibilities of increasing UNDP’s assistance to the Government of Ukraine in overcoming the devastating consequences of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, in particular, the restoration of destroyed civilian and critical infrastructure, humanitarian demining, as well as in the preparation of regions of Ukraine for the winter period. Deputy Minister also emphasized the importance of further implementation of the Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the only effective mechanism that can lead to a lasting and just peace in Ukraine.

“We are grateful for the assistance that UNDP provides to the Government of Ukraine on a regular basis. Millions of Ukrainians feel and appreciate your work in our country. We count on the continued implementation of joint projects with UNDP to overcome the negative consequences of the Russian war for the population of Ukraine”, Mariana Betsa said.

Jaco Cilliers shared the information about the ongoing projects that UNDP, together with its partners, are implementing in Ukraine and focused on the assistance provided to the energy sector of Ukraine. Only this year, with the support of UNDP and the Government of Japan, Ukraine received seven high-voltage autotransformers, five gas turbines and thousands of generators, which will help the Ukrainian energy system to resist and provide citizens with light and heat. UNDP also supported the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in the field of digitalization.

Mariana Betsa and Jaco Cilliers agreed to promote further intensification of cooperation to extend UNDP’s assistance to Ukraine.