On October 31, the first ever intergovernmental consultations between Ukraine and the Czech Republic took place in Kyiv, co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala.

Denys Shmyhal emphasized that the visit of the Czech delegation to Kyiv in one of the most difficult periods of history is a manifestation of great solidarity with Ukraine. He thanked the Government and people of the Czech Republic for their comprehensive assistance.

Among the main issues of the intergovernmental consultations with the Czech Republic, which currently chairs the EU Council, were the strengthening of support for Ukraine, the restoration and modernization of our state, and future European integration.

"It is extremely important for us to launch negotiations on joining the EU as soon as the European Commission provides its opinion on Ukraine's success in implementing the recommendations. We expect that the Czech Republic will contribute to the start of negotiations in 2023," the Prime Minister of Ukraine noted.

The Government of the Czech Republic confirmed its commitment to supporting the integration of Ukraine into the internal market of the European Union, and also noted the progress of our country in implementing the recommendations of the European Commission.

As a result of the intergovernmental consultations, the Prime Ministers of Ukraine and the Czech Republic signed a joint statement in which they confirmed their determination to restore the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders.

In the statement, the parties also called on the international community to increase sanctions pressure on russia and emphasized the need to increase military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

In addition, the Czech Republic confirmed its readiness to participate in the reconstruction of our state. In particular, take patronage over Dnipropetrovsk region.

As a result of intergovernmental consultations, Ukraine and the Czech Republic also signed two more documents:

• Memorandum on cooperation in the field of standardization, metrology and conformity assessment, which will contribute to the support of Ukrainian business and its entry into the European market.

• Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Czech Republic, thereby allowing to deepen the bilateral dialogue between the countries.