Zelensky meets with Canadian foreign minister to discuss UIA plane crash probe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne to discuss an investigation into the crash of a Ukrainian passenger plane near Tehran on January 8, the president’s press service has reported.

The interlocutors discussed in detail the investigation into the UIA plane crash in Iran, in particular the issue of compensation to the family members of those killed in the plane crash, a full investigation into the tragedy, and the study of "black boxes".

“Ukraine is fully open in this issue. And, if necessary, it is ready to cooperate with international partners for the fullest possible retrieval of information from the "black boxes",” the president noted.

The parties also discussed the progress of reforms in Ukraine. Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne welcomed their high pace.

The interlocutors paid special attention to the issue of investments.

“From an economic point of view, infrastructure is our priority. We need to "stitch" the country, so we invite Canadian investors. We will simplify the system of investment, communications, protect the rights in order to create high-quality infrastructure and jobs in Ukraine,” Zelensky stressed.

The president spoke in detail about concession projects, large-scale privatization, and also focused on reforming the legal system.

In addition, Zelensky informed the Canadian delegation about the situation in Donbas.

The head of state thanked Canada and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally for the support official Ottawa provides to Ukraine.

As reported, Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne is on a working visit to Ukraine on March 4-6 and will hold a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko today.

A Ukraine International Airlines plane (Flight PS752) heading from Tehran to Kyiv crashed shortly after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport at about 06:00 Tehran time (04:30 Kyiv time) on Wednesday, January 8. There were 176 people on board – nine crew members (all Ukrainians) and 167 passengers (citizens of Ukraine, Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK).

On January 11, Iran admitted that its military had accidentally shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of the Ukrainian airliner.

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