Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports, Matvii Biednyi, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa.
Matvii Biednyi expressed gratitude to the Italian government for its support of Ukraine and assistance to Ukrainian citizens, including youth and athletes who were forced to leave the country due to Russia's full-scale invasion. The Minister also thanked the Italian Republic for its clear stance in condemning the actions of Russia and Belarus from the early days of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine.
The Italian ambassador assured the Ukrainian side of Italy’s unwavering support and expressed solidarity with Ukraine’s sports sector amidst the ongoing war.
Minister Biednyi informed the Italian side about the current situation in Ukrainian sports under the conditions of Russia’s full-scale invasion. He highlighted the losses suffered by the physical culture and sports sector since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
During the meeting, they specifically discussed bilateral cooperation in anti-doping activities, the development of sports science and medicine, and other issues related to the advancement of the sports sector.
A key topic of the meeting was the preparation for the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference, set to take place in 2025 in Italy.
“For the Ukrainian side, it is crucial that the youth dimension of URC 2024 remains present next year, and that the topic of rebuilding sports infrastructure holds a significant place in the discussions of the Conference,” the Minister emphasized.
Also participating in the meeting on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports were Deputy Minister Andrii Chesnokov, Head of the Department of International Cooperation and European Integration Nataliia Radchuk, and Deputy Head of the Department of Strategic Planning and Communications Serhii Bykov.
The parties agreed to deepen cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum/Agreement on cooperation between the relevant ministries of both countries.
