U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry noted significant positive changes that took place in Ukraine over the past year focusing on the establishment of new police, National Anti-Corruption Bureau, increased transparency of governance, constitutional amendments on justice and civil service reform. He also underscored significant progress in the Ukrainian energy sector.

Following the meeting with President Petro Poroshenko, the U.S. Secretary of State said: “Due to the tough decisions of President Poroshenko, the economy of Ukraine is growing”.

John Kerry thanked President Petro Poroshenko and his team for persistence and commitment to reforms. He also noted positive changes in the Prosecutor General’s Office, anti-corruption activities, elimination of oligarchic yoke, reinforcement of the banking system and improvement of the investment climate in Ukraine.

“In any country of the world, at any time, it is a huge agenda and huge achievements. However, given the situation and certain security challenges of your country, it is even more impressive and proves the achievements of the Ukrainian people. Ukraine certainly advances,” John Kerry said.

During the press conference, the Ukrainian President and the U.S. Secretary of State noted the efficiency of interaction between the countries in the creation of an efficient anti-corruption system in Ukraine. “We are grateful to American partners for constant attention to Ukraine in difficult times - for a powerful expert assistance and financial aid, which is crucially important for the restoration of economic stability, growth and implementation of reforms,” Petro Poroshenko emphasized.

The President noted that today’s negotiations had been efficient and proved the meaningful content of the Ukraine-USA strategic partnership – from the sphere of reforms to the sphere of security.

The Ukrainian side is hopeful that the U.S. would provide support in the issue of the judicial reform that will actively involve civil society, hold transparent contests and form a new Supreme Court.