Australian ambassador welcomes Ukraine's intention to create Crimean Platform

"The parties also discussed ... efforts to launch the Crimean Platform, the inaugural summit of which is scheduled for August 23, 2021. Bruce Edwards welcomed Ukraine's intention to create an influential international platform to involve foreign leaders, international figures and expert groups in developing solutions and mechanisms for de-occupation of the Crimean peninsula," the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports following the meeting between Ambassador Edwards and First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar.

The first deputy minister praised the high level of cooperation between Ukraine and Australia in the international arena, including support for Ukrainian initiatives within international organizations, primarily the UN, and further strengthening of Ukraine-Australia relations and development of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

During the meeting, the parties pointed out the need to further strengthen the political dialogue between the two countries.

As reported, the Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to improve the efficiency of the international response to the occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security challenges, step up international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, protect victims of the occupying power and to achieve the de-occupation of Crimea and its return to Ukraine.

The Crimean Platform is expected to operate at the level of heads of state and government, foreign ministers, in the dimension of inter-parliamentary cooperation and expert network.

ol