Zelensky, Macron discuss resumption of Normandy format activities

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron on January 28.

"Conversation with a friend and reliable partner of Ukraine Emmanuel Macron. We are glad to resume the activities of the Normandy format – one of the steps for peace," Zelensky posted on Instagram.

He added that meetings and talks should be held while there is a favorable climate for dialogue. "As long as diplomatic efforts continue, the possibility of further escalation declines," Zelensky noted.

According to the President’s Office, the heads of state welcomed the intensification of the Normandy format activities and the meeting of political advisers to the Normandy Four leaders in Paris on January 26. It was noted that a document on the negotiations’ results had been agreed upon for the first time since 2019.

"Zelensky praised the important personal role of Emmanuel Macron in organizing this meeting. He also thanked the French leader for his firm and consistent support for Ukraine, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state," reads the statement.

As noted, the parties agreed to maintain the dynamic pace and accelerate the next meeting of advisers to the Normandy format leaders. The importance of intensifying the work of the Trilateral Contact Group and its working groups in order to achieve rapid progress in the implementation of the Minsk Agreements was also discussed.

The presidents of Ukraine and France mentioned the visit of the Ukrainian delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko to Paris the day before. The President of Ukraine pointed out his interest in the successful implementation of existing important bilateral economic agreements, as well as in the development of new specific projects.

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