Kuleba, Lipavský agree on joint steps to deter Russia

"The chief Ukrainian and Czech diplomats coordinated the positions of Ukraine and the Czech Republic against the background of Russia's aggressive actions and ahead of a series of diplomatic contacts between the US, NATO, OSCE, and the Russian Federation... Jan Lipavský reaffirmed that the Czech Republic remained a reliable friend of Ukraine and stood firmly on the side of the Ukrainian people in their struggle to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministers agreed on joint steps to deter Russia from further aggression," the Foreign Ministry's press service informed following the telephone conversation between the ministers.

As noted, the parties also agreed on a joint visit of the foreign ministers of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia to Ukraine in February.

In addition, the conversation focused on the preparations of the Czech Republic for its European Union presidency in the second half of 2022. Lipavský assured Kuleba that Ukraine's European integration will be an important priority of the Czech Republic's EU presidency and expressed support for the format of the Associated Trio of Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.

The chief Ukrainian and Czech diplomats paid special attention to the situation in Central Europe and the ways to strengthen relations between Central European countries.

Moreover, the ministers discussed the development of the Crimea Platform. Lipavský assured Kuleba of the Czech Republic's full support for this important international format.

ol