Zelensky, Sefcovic discuss energy security issues
This was reported by the press service of the head of state.
Zelensky praised the signing of a memorandum of understanding on strategic partnership between Ukraine and the European Union in the field of raw materials, which initiates strategic cooperation between the parties in the field of critical raw materials and batteries.
"I am sure that this will increase the efficiency of raw materials usage, attract additional investment in the latest scientific developments in Ukraine, as well as develop new capacity to increase the added value of production," the president said.
He stressed that the Ukrainian authorities have recently done much to make the lithium and titanium industry more transparent and attractive to investors.
In turn, the Vice President of the European Commission noted that the strategic partnership in the raw materials sector is an important stage in the development of relations between Ukraine and the EU, as the sphere of critical raw materials has a huge potential in Ukraine. In this context, the involvement of European companies in the privatization of Ukrainian mining facilities was discussed, in particular, using the opportunities of the investment platform within the European Raw Materials Alliance.
Sefcovic also noted the progress of Ukraine and the determination of the Ukrainian authorities to carry out such important reforms as land and judicial.
Special attention during the conversation was paid to energy issues. Zelensky noted the personal role of Sefcovic in the tripartite talks in 2019 on concluding a contract for gas transit through Ukraine, thanks to which the country received significant financial resources for development, and expressed hope for the European Commission's active role in further ensuring a transparent and competitive European energy market.
The head of state stressed that the Nord Stream 2 project is a security challenge for Ukraine and the entire region, which poses a threat to the energy security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe.
The interlocutors discussed a number of topical issues on the agenda of relations between Ukraine and the EU, in particular in the context of preparations for the 23rd EU-Ukraine Summit, scheduled for October 12, 2021 in Kyiv.
As reported, Vice President of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic arrived in Ukraine on July 12. On July 13, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Sefcovic took part in the first High-Level Conference on Critical Raw Materials.
ish
