Agro Perspectiva

Poroshenko: Ukraine is grateful to European Parliament for assistance on European integration track

03.07.2015 13:19 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) — As of today, the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, who visits Ukraine on the occasion of the anniversary of the Association Agreement with the EU, President Petro Poroshenko Press Office reports. As to the report, at the beginning of the meeting the Ukrainian President noted: «These are historical days. Exactly a year ago, the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU was signed in Brussels due to the assistance of the European Parliament and Mr. Schulz personally». As to Poroshenko, on Sept 16, 2014, attention of the whole world was focused on the halls of Verkhovna Rada in Kyiv and the European Parliament in Strasbourg where the Association Agreement was ratified synchronously. «Although it was previously supposed that the whole process would take more than 3 years, today, a year later, 21 of 28 EU countries have already competed the process of ratification and 4 countries are currently implementing this process,» Poroshenko said. In his turn, Schulz noted that the initiative of joint ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU belongs to President Petro Poroshenko. «It is the only occasion of such large-scale synchronous ratification in history,» he said. The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of the EU’s unity and solidarity with Ukraine. The Head of State also underlined the exceptional role of President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz in the formation of consolidated position of the European Parliament in support of Ukraine. As to the report, within the meeting a particular attention was paid to the organization of local elections in Ukraine that will be held on Oct 25. «It will be very important for the European Parliament representatives to be present at these elections and confirm free will expression of Ukrainian citizens,» Poroshenko said. In response, Schulz admitted that one should take into account special situation in Ukraine even though there is no tradition of sending the European Parliament observers to local elections. As to the report, the parties also exchanged their views on additional mechanisms and instruments of upholding financial-economic and social reforms in Ukraine by the European Parliament and other European institutions. «The purpose of these reforms is clear - preparation of Ukraine to the EU membership. I am sure that in 5–6 years Ukraine should be changed and meet all the criteria necessary for applying for the EU membership,» Poroshenko said. Reportedly, Martin Schulz expressed gratitude for the warm welcome in Ukraine. «It once again demonstrates huge trust between us. The majority of the European Parliament is with you, with Ukraine,» he emphasized.