German Chancellor Angela Merkel said this at the opening of the 4th German-Ukrainian Business Forum in Berlin on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“The partnership between our countries has existed for a long time, and it is not limited only to the economy. Germany is one of the largest partners of Ukraine. We stand firmly for the territorial integrity of Ukraine. It is important for us that the EU responds appropriately to the illegal annexation of Crimea, which took place seven years ago,” she said.
Merkel noted that the EU’s response to Russia’s Crimea occupation was “unequivocal and decisive.” “And this reaction will remain the same in the future,” the head of the German government added.
The chancellor recalled the help to the wounded Ukrainian soldiers – more than 110 soldiers were treated in German hospitals.
As reported, on March 19, the 4th German-Ukrainian Business Forum began within the framework of a professional discussion of the possibilities for expanding bilateral cooperation between German and Ukrainian businesses. This year’s event is held online due to coronavirus restrictions.
Ukraine Seeks to Join the European Union and NATO
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said during a meeting with German Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on March 19, the Government portal reported.
“Ukraine’s membership in the EU in the medium term is a win-win situation not only for the Ukrainian people but also for Germany and the EU as a whole. At present, our main goal is gradual integration into the EU internal market. In particular, it concerns the integration of Ukraine into the digital and energy markets of the European Union,” Shmyhal said.
The parties discussed Ukraine’s European integration, NATO’s Membership Action Plan, and joint economic projects in the field of renewable energy. Shmyhal stressed that an agreement on the launch of a strategic partnership with the EU in critical raw materials is of paramount importance for Ukraine, which will also be complied with the goals of the green and digital transition.
“Cooperation in the field of hydrogen energy opens new opportunities for cooperation between our countries. The EU hydrogen strategy notes that Ukraine can install 10 GW of green hydrogen production capacity. This allows attracting up to EUR 20 billion to the development of the industry. And we believe that together with Germany, we can realize better this potential,” the prime minister said.
Besides, Shmyhal thanked the German side for support in granting Ukraine the status of a NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner in June 2020.
He also thanked Germany and the German minister for their continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression.
Shmyhal called on Germany to take part in the international platform for the de-occupation of Crimea and thanked Maas for the strong statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers that the international community will never recognize the occupation of Crimea.
As Ukrinform reported, on March 19, a Ukrainian government delegation led by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is on a visit to Germany, where high-level talks and participation in the 4th German-Ukrainian Business Forum are planned.