Following the negotiations with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko expressed gratitude to the United States and personally to the Vice President for supporting Ukraine.

“Today, not only financial support from the United States is important. Ukraine received more than USD 500 million in the form of loan guarantees, IMF assistance, aid for reforms and military-technical cooperation. I am confident that our cooperation clearly reflects loyalty of Ukraine to the path of reforms, the path towards the EU and European integration,” Petro Poroshenko noted in the press statement.

According to the President, preliminary estimation by the assessment mission of the EU on the visa-free regime is an evidence of Ukraine’s efficient reforms. “We provided a series of draft laws, actions to reinforce the border, identification system and migration service. I am pleased to state that we are supported by the U.S. and the EU in these directions,” the Head of State said.

Major part of negotiations was devoted to the implementation of the Minsk agreements, coordination of actions on security, humanitarian, social, economic and political settlement in Donbas. “Unfortunately, we cannot say that there is a de-escalation in Donbas,” Petro Poroshenko noted.

The President thanked for the firm and consistent support for the position of Ukraine that Russia must implement the Minsk agreements, which is the only way to ensure peace in Ukraine and restore Ukrainian sovereignty over the occupied territories. The Head of State underlined that the parties had also paid special attention to the issues of Crimea.

The parties discussed military-technical cooperation in the context of the U.S. Defense Budget signed by President of the United States Barack Obama, which provides for the allocation of USD 300 million to Ukraine in the form of military aid, as well as the U.S. promotion of training of our units. “I have fantastic impressions from my trip to Yavoriv and conversation with American, Canadian and Ukrainian servicemen, where a true fraternity was demonstrated. This was of greater importance than a huge number of public statements. For they see what efficient cooperation means there. It seemed to me that we have learned a lot from American partners, but Americans have learned something from us as well. It is mutually beneficial cooperation and I congratulate Mr. Vice President on that,” Petro Poroshenko said.

The parties noted that there were potential opportunities in the development of cooperation in space sphere. According to Petro Poroshenko, next year this cooperation will be practically reflected in certain launches.

In the course of the negotiations, the parties discussed practical and political support from the U.S. in the reinforcement of energy security of Ukraine. The President thanked the Vice President for his clear position on the inadmissibility of the Nord Stream II. “We touch upon this issue in the course of the negotiations with the EU. We are confident that developing energy cooperation in the framework of preliminary agreements, inter alia, Treaty establishing the Energy Community, Europe becomes more competitive and independent from any political pressure, including that of Russia,” Petro Poroshenko emphasized.

The President noted the role of the U.S. in supporting reforms in Ukraine. In a short period of time, in conditions of aggression, war, occupation of a part of our lawful territory, we have made more than in all years of independence. “We should always remember that. However it doesn’t mean that we have less work ahead,” the President said adding that war and aggression against Ukraine cannot justify the non-implementation of reforms.

In his turn, the U.S. Vice President noted the leadership of Petro Poroshenko on the course of Ukraine towards the better future.  Joseph Biden emphasized that Ukrainians had inspired many people all over the world with their courage and desire to be free.

The U.S. Vice President also noted certain success of Ukraine in economic development. According to him, GDP, industrial production and agricultural exports demonstrate growth and hryvnia was stabilized.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of continuation of reforms with consideration of IMF recommendations. According to him, the U.S. is willing to support Ukraine in these IMF programs.

The U.S. Vice President emphasized the importance of entry into force of the Association and DCFTA Agreement between Ukraine and the EU. “A great job has been done, including judiciary reform, but there is still much work ahead,” Joseph Biden said. He urged to continue reforms. “All Ukrainians, official authorities, business, civil society should work together every day to eliminate corruption,” he added.

The U.S. Vice President highlighted the importance of continuation of introduction of efficient governance and increasing transparency and the rule of law at all levels of authorities. “USA will always be with you in this issue,” he said.

The U.S. Vice President informed that his country would continue to provide financial aid to Ukraine. He announced allocation of USD 190 million in support of the progress of Ukraine, especially for the struggle against corruption, reform of judiciary, energy efficiency, customs reform, which should improve the investment climate and open new opportunities for the development of business and economy of Ukraine.

Joseph Biden noted that the United States was willing to further support civil society and independent media in Ukraine. “Strong civil society is crucial for the future of Ukraine,” he emphasized.

Following the negotiations, the President of Ukraine and the U.S. Vice President watched exhibition “Projection” in the Second Floor Art Center (second floor of the Presidential Administration). The exhibition was created by French photo artist of Ukrainian origin Youry Bilak.