Shmyhal meets with leaders of more than 30 countries and organizations on CoE Summit sidelines

"The Council of Europe Summit of Heads of State and Government has become a unique communication platform for consolidating the efforts of partners for the victory of Ukraine. On the summit sidelines, I met with leaders, presidents, and prime ministers of more than 30 countries and organizations, including Emmanuel Macron, Andrzej Duda, Giorgia Meloni, and Charles Michel. I discussed long-term support for our state with Ursula von der Leyen, Olaf Scholz, and Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre," Shmyhal posted on Telegram.

The PM added that he had the opportunity to personally thank UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the agreement to work together on providing Ukraine with a combat aircraft potential. Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo also stated the country’s readiness to train Ukrainians pilots fly F-16s.

In addition, the Head of Government thanked Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen for creating a $1 billion aid fund for Ukraine.

Shmyhal also met with Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa and representatives of Spain to discuss military and technical support.

Shmyhal noted that concrete reconstruction projects for Kyiv region were discussed with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama and assistance in humanitarian demining – with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković. Ukraine’s PM also coordinated further decisions, the foundation of which was laid at the CoE Summit, with President of Latvia Egils Levits. In particular, they agreed to make efforts to complete the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression during Latvia's presidency of the Council of Europe. "During the plenary sessions and bilateral meetings, the partners proved their readiness to provide the necessary assistance to Ukraine in the long term. We are joining forces to establish justice and strengthen security in Europe," Shmyhal added.

As reported, a two-day summit of heads of state and government of 46 member states of the Council of Europe was held in the capital of Iceland on May 16-17. One of the main issues on the agenda was the creation of the international register of damages caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

In the Summit’s final declaration, the heads of state and government of 46 Member States of the Council of Europe pledged to continue to stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes”, supported the principles of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, and declared the need to punish the leadership of the Russian Federation for the crime of aggression.

The Council of Europe Member States called on Russia to immediately withdraw completely and unconditionally its forces from Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova.

Photos: Denys Shmyhal, Facebook