Baerbock vows support for Ukraine, says ready to work toward Normandy Four revival
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had his first phone call with Germany’s newly appointed Federal Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, during which the two discussed a peaceful settlement in eastern Ukraine and the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
That’s according to MFA Ukraine’s press service, Ukrinform reports.
It is noted that the head of Ukrainian diplomacy briefed the interlocutor on the security situation along the state border and in the temporarily occupied territories. Also, Kuleba reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to a political and diplomatic settlement of the Russo-Ukrainian armed conflict.
"We appreciate that the coalition agreement within the new German government prioritizes restoring peace in our country. We are constructively committed to moving forward within the peace process, which must begin with security issues. We are convinced that the full implementation of the 'security first' principle will allow us to make further progress in the political part of the Minsk agreements," Kuleba said.
The top diplomat stressed Ukraine’s active support for the effective work of the Normandy format as an important platform for negotiations. In this regard, the foreign minister thanked Germany, which together with France is working to get Russia back to the negotiating table.
The Minister also welcomed the support expressed by other partners in the context of intensifying the peace process, underlining Kyiv’s constant position: "No decision on Ukraine can be made without Ukraine."
In turn, Annalena Baerbock assured of unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state, readiness to work together to achieve progress in the Normandy Four talks.
According to the Foreign Ministry's press service, Kuleba thanked his German counterpart for her clear position on Nord Stream 2.
"The ministers agreed that European energy legislation should be applied to the project. They also discussed steps to strengthen energy security of Ukraine and Europe," the statement said.
It is noted that the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Germany agreed to open a new page in bilateral relations, including intensifying cooperation in developing renewables, producing and shipping hydrogen, expanding trade and investment.
Kuleba also expressed interest in restarting equal dialogue on historical issues.
Wrapping up the call, the foreign minister invited Annalena Baerbock to visit Ukraine next year.
As Ukrinform reported, Germany’s top diplomat, Annalena Baerbock, said ahead of the EU foreign ministerial in Brussels that the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline does not currently comply with European energy legislation.
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