Mr. Dollis: Mr. Minister, once again I would like to thank you for our collaboration at this 5th Joint Interministerial Committee. The 6th will be in your beautiful country, and I hope both of us will be able to attend.
We focused on energy, transport, shipping, agriculture, the very serious issue of environmental protection. We also looked at consumer protection, because it is very important for the citizens of our countries to have protection in the current international economic climate. Regional cooperation was a main point of reference, as were investments, and we concluded with “citizen diplomacy”, which takes place via tourism.
It is no coincidence that we have had a large increase in the number of Ukrainians visiting Greece in the past year. We have extensive infrastructure, and we hope to see growth in this sector every year, from Ukraine to Greece and vice versa.
We also have your President’s upcoming visit, which will enable us to strengthen and sign further agreements.
We are very grateful for the manner in which – through the centuries – you have not only hosted Greeks living in your region, but also expanded philhellenism to a level indicative of the great friendship between our two countries.
The results of this Meeting will be worked on by many of our colleagues and competent Ministries, particularly until autumn, when we will prepare your President’s visit, which will have substance as well as strengthen the friendship between Ukraine and Greece.
A big thank you and welcome on behalf of the Greek government.
Mr. Volodymyr: Thank you. I think that a great and real friendship has developed between our two countries. This was confirmed by today’s JIC, and we have found common ground on everything we talked about. The Protocol we signed today is a good indication as to Ukraine’s course towards joining the Ukraine-EU free trade zone, and will be a significant step towards completion of this effort.
We have prepared a timeframe that will allow us to prepare thoroughly for the Ukrainian President’s visit, so that the important decisions can be taken regarding the strengthening of relations between our countries.
Once again, I thank you, Mr. Minister, for your warm welcome and the good collaboration we had.
July 13, 2011