Ukraine becomes association member of International Energy Agency
The corresponding joint declaration was signed in Warsaw on Tuesday by the Minister of Energy of Ukraine, German Galushchenko, and the IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
"We have to win the energy war with Russia, and thanks to the signing of this agreement, we are becoming stronger.
"We thank our international partners for their solidarity," Galushchenko said.
He noted that thanks to innovative technologies, Ukraine seeks to build a better energy system in the country.
According to the official, membership in the IEA will provide Ukraine with practical expertise on post-war reconstruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, as well as the development of joint action mechanisms.
Galushchenko emphasized that this will be the last winter when Russia will try to put pressure on European nations, using energy levers.
"It will be a very difficult winter and we must unite in order to counter Russian aggression and its pressure together," emphasized the minister of energy.
In turn, Birol emphasized that Ukraine’s accession is a very important event, adding that all IEA member states unanimously supported the country’s membership in the organization.
He noted that the world is experiencing an unprecedented energy crisis caused by Russian aggression toward Ukraine.
The head of the International Energy Agency expressed the opinion that February 24 was a "historic moment" for the world energy industry, as it gave an additional impetus to the development of new technological solutions.
He emphasized that now it is necessary to focus on alternative energy supply routes to Europe, as well as to make gas consumption more efficient.
The signing of the documents took place in the premises of the Council of Ministers of Poland with the participation of the Minister of Climate and Environment of Poland Anna Moskwa.
The Polish minister noted that Ukraine is joining the IEA not only as a gesture of solidarity amid Russian aggression, but also because it has earned a place in the organization due to the country's successful energy transformation.
The signing of the agreement took place following consultations with the IAE on issues of expert analytical support and assistance in the post-war reconstruction of the Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
