On December 16, 2024 Deputy Foreign Minister Olexandr Mischenko held his first meeting with Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Ukraine Arad Benkö.

During the meeting, the interlocutors positively assessed the level of bilateral dialogue between Ukraine and Austria and discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation. In this context, Olexandr Mischenko thanked Austria for its political, humanitarian, economic and financial support of our country in the fight against the large-scale Russian aggression. The Deputy Minister expressed also his gratitude for the decision of the Austrian Government to allocate EUR 20 mln. for the implementation of number of humanitarian initiatives of international organizations in Ukraine.

The parties focused special attention to possible ways of further increasing Austria`s humanitarian and financial assistance to overcome the catastrophic consequences of the Russian war against Ukraine. The interlocutors emphasized the importance of strengthening international pressure on the Russian aggressor and bringing it to justice for its crimes.

The parties also exchanged views on cooperation between the two countries in the cultural sphere, including the implementation of joint projects abroad, utilizing the capabilities of Austrian cultural institutions in the leading world countries.

In addition, the parties discussed the progress of Ukraine's European integration course, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in this area, in particular through the involvement of the Austrian experience.