Sybiha: Ukraine ready to deepen cooperation with Czech Republic

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said this at a joint press conference with his Czech counterpart Petr Macinka in Kyiv on Friday, Ukrinform reports.

Sybiha called the visit of the new Czech foreign minister, which took place amid Russia's massive missile attack on Ukraine, "a true visit of courage and solidarity."

"The Czech Republic has a new government, and today I felt new energy and determination to develop the Ukrainian-Czech partnership. We are ready to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the shared interests of peace, security, and prosperity for both our peoples. It is important to maintain the positive momentum in our relations, and I am grateful to the minister for his personal contribution to supporting this approach. Today we agreed to continue cooperation based on mutual respect," Sybiha said.

He noted that during the talks the parties discussed defense cooperation in detail, including further implementation of the Czech ammunition initiative.

"It has proven effective in protecting the lives of our people and ensuring the security of all Europe. We are grateful that it continues," he said.

Sybiha also expressed confidence that cooperation between Ukrainian and Czech defense companies has significant potential and will bring direct economic and security benefits to the Czech Republic as well.

"We discussed this in detail with the minister today. We are also interested in Czech businesses taking part in reconstruction projects. All of this is about mutual benefit," the minister said.

He also thanked the Czech Republic for sheltering Ukrainians, providing work and integration opportunities, and noted the positive contribution Ukrainians are making to the Czech economy and society. According to him, Ukrainians in the Czech Republic show their gratitude through their work and dedication. He stressed that Ukrainian diplomats will defend their rights.

"Dignity and mutual respect are the foundation of relations between people and states. Today, the minister and I agreed to follow exactly this path. When we stand together, we are always stronger and more successful, and any discord only plays into Moscow's hands. Ukrainians and Czechs know this from their own history, remembering 1938 and 1968. We are doing everything to ensure that this history does not repeat itself. Our peoples deserve a better future in a united, democratic Europe," Sybiha said.

The new Czech foreign minister, Petr Macinka, is in Ukraine on his first visit.