Zelensky invites Biden to visit Ukraine
According to Ukrinform, he said this at a press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kyiv on Thursday, May 6.
"I invited the president and vice president of the United States of America [to Ukraine]. We believe that this year, which is so symbolic for Ukraine, the United States will definitely be with us and will visit us on official and unofficial visits," Zelensky said.
He also added that he did not know yet in what format the meeting could take place.
"I don't know in what format this meeting can take place. It depends on the two countries. Now the president of the United States has received this invitation from our country. I believe that this meeting will take place. It is important to both countries," Zelensky said.
Blinken, in turn, said he would pass on the invitation to Biden.
He added that due to the coronavirus it was quite difficult to make visits, but he expressed hope that Biden would visit Ukraine in the near future.
Zelensky, in turn, added that reforms in Ukraine were among the issues discussed with Blinken. "The United States knows the details very well – where we have succeeded and where we still [have to succeed] in these complex but important reforms for our country," he said.
"The meeting was meaningful and we believe that this will be a fundamental year in relations between Ukraine and the United States," Zelensky added.
He also stated that the U.S. delegation led by Blinken was well-versed in the current situation in Ukraine, particularly in the east of the country.
He thanked the United States for its support - not in words, but in deeds - for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Zelensky also invited the U.S. side to join the Crimean Platform initiative, which will meet on August 23.
"Crimean Platform is the first platform for helping Crimea, for the de-occupation of our peninsula. I invited the President of the United States of America and the Vice President [to join the initiative]," Zelensky said.
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