Czech government delegation holds talks in Kyiv

Czech and Ukrainian government ministers met for talks in Kyiv on Monday, despite continued bombing of the capital and other parts of the country by Russian forces. The working visit by the Czech government delegation led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala was intended to demonstrate continuing support for Ukraine and ascertain the country’s present needs, at a time when Czechia is presiding over the European Union. They also discussed plans for the post-war reconstruction of the country. The two sides signed memoradums on cooperation in several areas.

Prime Minister Fiala said Czechia would continue to give Ukraine military and humanitarian support to help the country defend itself and restore its territorial integrity. Mr. Fiala said Ukraine belongs in the EU and NATO, adding that he was impressed by the way that the country is working to fulfil the conditions for accession, be it in the legal sphere, the fight against corruption and others.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the visit as an enormous demonstration of solidarity and support at an exceptionally difficult time for the country. The Czech prime minister also met with President Volodymyr Zelensky from whom he received a high Ukrainian state distinction -the Order of Jaroslav Moudry.