Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary for Political Affairs Kyllike-Sillaste Elling was on a visit in Kiev from 20 -21 September. Undersecretary discussed bilateral relations, situation in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, Minsk agreements, integration to the EU and cooperation in international organisations with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vadym Prystaiko, First Deputy Minister of Information Policy Emine Dzhaparova, Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee of Verkhovna Rada Hanna Hopko, Chief of Head Department for Foreign Policy and European Integration of the Presidential Administration Ihor Zhovkva.
Undersecretary Sillaste-Elling expressed her concern over the situation in eastern Ukraine and emphasised the importance of continuing with the common EU policy on Russia. “Sanctions have to stand until Russia fulfils the Minsk agreements. Unfortunately, we do not see it at the moment,” Undersecretary said.
Sillaste-Elling emphasised Estonia’s support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and continuing with the non-recognition of illegal annexation of Crimea. She added that access to the whole conflict area should be guaranteed to OSCE observers. Estonia supports OSCE mission to Ukraine with seven observers and 90 000 euros.
Undersecretary Sillaste-Elling confirmed continuing with Estonia-Ukraine development cooperation and supporting Ukraine in making reforms. “We focus on good governance, education, business environment and IT solutions in sharing our reform experience,” Undersecretary added. Estonia supports Ukraine with 2.2 million euros this year in the framework of development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
Undersecretary Kyllike Sillaste-Elling also met with representatives of Ukraine’s civil society, EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine, OSCE Special Monitoring Mission and foreign missions.
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Additional information:
Mariann Sudakov
Communication Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(+372) 521 6821
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