On December 20, 2024 Deputy Ministers Yevgen Perebyinis and Oleksandr Mischenko held consultations with Secretary General of the Federal Ministry for European and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria Nikolaus Marschik, who was on his first visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian aggression against our country.

During the consultations, the interlocutors discussed the key issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation as well as ways for further cooperation to overcome the catastrophic consequences of the Russian aggression. In this context, the Ukrainian side expressed gratitude to Austria for its comprehensive political, humanitarian and financial support.

Nikolaus Marschik, for his part, noted the high level of the dialogue between Ukraine and Austria both at the level of the leadership of states and foreign ministries of the two countries. The Austrian side confirmed its readiness to increase humanitarian and financial assistance to Ukraine.

The interlocutors paid special attention to the issue of Ukraine's integration into the European Union. The Ukrainian side informed about the achievements and expectations of our country on this track, and highly appreciated Austria's willingness to provide Ukraine with comprehensive advisory and expert assistance. The sides coordinated ways of further cooperation in this area.

An exchange of views was held on strengthening energy security on the European continent. In this context, the Ukrainian side highlighted Austria's recent decision to terminate the contract for the supply of Russian gas to Austria.

The interlocutors discussed further areas of bilateral cooperation within the international organizations and platforms. The sides emphasized the importance of increasing international pressure on the Russian aggressor and stressed the need to intensify international efforts to implement the Peace Formula. The participants also exchanged views on ways to establish a just peace in Ukraine and restore international law.

During the consultations, the sides discussed possible areas of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the educational and cultural spheres, including further cooperation in supporting the Ukrainian school component in Austria and joint implementation of the Ukrainian Institute`s cultural projects.