Zhovkva, adviser to Slovenian president discuss security situation in eastern Ukraine

29.04.2021 09:23

Ukrinform

Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office Ihor Zhovkva and Adviser to the President of the Republic on Foreign Affairs Smiljana Knez have discussed the escalation of the security situation in eastern Ukraine and temporarily occupied Crimea, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Ukrainian President’s Office.

"The parties discussed the recent escalation of the security situation in eastern Ukraine and temporarily occupied Crimea, including a buildup of troops at the Ukrainian border, which has led to increased tensions on the European continent and growing concerns of our international partners. The interlocutors paid special attention to the further militarization of Crimea and the ongoing human rights violations on the Ukrainian peninsula,” reads the report.

According to the President’s Office, Smiljana Knez assured of Slovenia's full support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Ihor Zhovkva also informed Smiljana Knez about the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform in Kyiv in August 2021, outlined key elements of the Ukrainian initiative and confirmed the invitation from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor to take part in this important event.

The interlocutors also discussed the current bilateral cooperation in the context of implementing Ukraine's course towards European integration, given Slovenia's forthcoming presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2021. They reaffirmed the importance of successful implementation of reforms in Ukraine for further progress on the European track.