The issues of military assistance and restoration of domestic infrastructure, as well as expansion of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the Czech Republic despite the hostilities, were discussed by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Jozef Síkela.

During the conversation, Yuliia Svyrydenko thanked her Czech counterpart for the assistance provided by his country.

“We are grateful to the Czech Republic for military, financial and humanitarian assistance in these dramatic times. The Czech Republic is one of the key European partners of Ukraine providing significant political and practical assistance to Ukraine and is one of the five key suppliers of weapons to our country. We are also grateful to your country for taking patronage over the restoration of Dnipropetrovsk region,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

During the discussion, the First Deputy Prime Minister also thanked the Czech Republic for supporting the joint decision of the European Union to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for accession.

“We believe that the candidate status will be an incentive to strengthen bilateral relations between Ukraine and the Czech Republic. It will promote joint projects in various sectors of the economy, attract investments and technical assistance. This is very important for the recovery of the Ukrainian economy in this critical moment, as well as for strengthening country’s sustainability in the long term,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

The First Deputy Prime Minister assured her Czech counterpart that Ukraine was interested in developing bilateral cooperation.

“We strive to further use our joint potential to expand cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations despite the hostilities in the country. We are interested in the active work of the Ukrainian-Czech mixed commission on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation, as well as sectoral working groups (on industrial and energy cooperation) operating within its framework,” Yuliia Svyrydenko assured her colleague.

In turn, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Josef Síkela affirmed that his country remained a reliable economic and political partner for Ukraine. The Czech Republic will continue the policy aimed at ensuring that the EU continues to refuse from russian oil and gas.

As a confirmation of his intentions Josef Síkela presented Yuliia Svyrydenko a hoodie with his most quoted phrase “We will convene as many Energy Councils as necessary.”

The parties agreed to establish a working group on engaging Czech companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine. A meeting of the intergovernmental Ukrainian-Czech commission will be held in March. The parties also agreed to continue cooperation in energy sector and integration of electricity markets.

In conclusion, Josef Síkela promised to continue to advocate for the provision of military assistance for Ukraine to free its territories from russian aggression.

For reference

During the war between Ukraine and russia, the Government of the Czech Republic continues to provide free of charge weapons and ammunition, in particular ground military systems, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons needed by the Ukrainian army.

The Czech Republic also sent to Ukraine DANA self-propelled howitzers, RM-70 multiple rocket launchers, and armored vehicles.

Responding to the needs of Ukraine and in close coordination with NATO allies, the Czech Republic has already transferred military aid worth about CZK 3 billion (about USD 130 million).

Trade cooperation. At the end of 2021, the Czech Republic ranks 6th in terms of bilateral trade of goods between Ukraine and European countries with a share of 4.61% of the total volume.