Ukraine is interested in large-scale projects in alternative energy, energy security, agriculture, IT sector, infrastructure and environmental protection, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the negotiations with Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven.
“I am very grateful to Sweden and personally to the Prime Minister for the continued support for Ukraine, for the practical assistance in implementing important reforms on decentralization, freedom of speech, environmental protection, energy conservation and energy security. It is a pleasure that Mr. Löfven fully shares the view that the best answer to all existing challenges and threats is to build a successful Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Stefan Löfven in Kyiv.
The Head of State assured the Swedish Prime Minister that the assistance provided by the Swedish side to support reforms in Ukraine would be fully justified.
The President noted that Sweden was one of the largest trading partners of Ukraine in Northern Europe and an important investment partner. “We just have to expand it – it is a must. Our trade is really growing,” he said.
“I called on the Swedish side to increase its business presence in Ukraine. We are very interested in large-scale projects on alternative and renewable energy, energy security, agriculture, IT sector, infrastructure,” the President added.
In particular, during the Ukrainian-Swedish talks, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine was working hard to improve energy efficiency. “This will make our economy much more competitive and increase Ukraine’s energy security. We count on our active cooperation in this area,” the President stated.
He also said the parties had agreed to involve Swedish investors in waste management in key cities of Ukraine and to step up cooperation on environmental protection and climate change.
“I believe that today we have taken another important step in strengthening our partnership with our Swedish friends. I am truly grateful to you, Mr. Prime Minister, to your country and to the Swedish Government for this,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The Head of State reminded that it was his second meeting with the Prime Minister of Sweden in the last three months. He expressed content with the result of the negotiations. “Our people are linked not only by the common pages of history and the colors of the national flag, but also by the active partnership aimed to strengthen the values of democracy, the rule of law, peace and security. Commitment to such values is the foundation of our relations,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.
For his part, Stefan Löfven stressed that Sweden praised an extremely ambitious reform agenda in Ukraine. “We are the second largest donor in terms of technical assistance. And we are planning to continue supporting Ukraine’s efforts with a view to improve the lives of all Ukrainians and bring the country closer to the EU,” he said.
The Prime Minister of Sweden stressed that the assistance program for Ukraine was based on three strands: support for economic development, strengthening of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and improvement of the environmental protection.
He also expressed hope for stronger trade and investment relations between Ukraine and Sweden. “At present, Ukraine’s export has reached record levels, and subject to the provisions of the Association Agreement, the potential for further investment and relations is very promising,” the Prime Minister of Sweden said.
“A secure and stable Ukraine is a secure and stable Europe,” Stefan Löfven summarized.
