President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Luigi Di Maio, on his first official visit to Ukraine.

The parties discussed the development of political dialogue at the highest level, in particular the participation of the leadership of the Italian Republic in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform and the events on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

The Ukrainian President told the Italian Foreign Minister about the security situation in Donbas and along Ukraine's borders. He stressed the need of increasing further international pressure on Russia, which continues to block progress in a peaceful settlement.

For his part, Luigi Di Maio assured of Italy's full support for the respect of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"I thank Italy for supporting Ukraine in many areas, first of all the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,"

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

An exchange of views took place on topical issues in the context of forthcoming international events, including the G7 and NATO summits. Special attention during the meeting was paid to the issues of Euro-Atlantic and European integration of Ukraine.

I want to emphasize clearly that Italy recognises Ukraine's European aspirations and will fully support it on this path.

Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy

The Foreign Minister of Italy assured of his country's support to continue internal transformations in Ukraine, particularly the development of its anti-corruption system. Luigi Di Maio praised the land and banking sector reforms in Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky underlined the importance for Ukraine of obtaining a NATO Membership Action Plan and expressed hope that Italy would support Ukraine's efforts on the path to the Alliance. Moreover, the President noted that Ukraine is committed to reforms in the framework of the Association Agreement with the EU, and a clear European prospect will be an additional incentive to build a successful country.

The President praised the dynamic development of trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Italy and stressed the importance of interpersonal ties between the peoples of the two countries.

Finally, Luigi Di Maio thanked the President of Ukraine for providing important assistance to Italy in the fight against the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.