Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba took part in the ministerial conference "A larger, stronger Union – making the European Union fit for enlargement and candidate countries fit for accession" held in Berlin, Germany
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba took part in the ministerial conference "A larger, stronger Union – making the European Union fit for enlargement and candidate countries fit for accession" held in Berlin, Germany, gathering together foreign ministers of a number of the member states as well as of the candidate countries for the accession to the EU
Enlargement is the only way for the EU to become stronger. Ukraine's accession will bring advantages and not become a burden for the European Union
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba stated this at the ministerial conference "A larger, stronger Union – making the European Union fit for enlargement and candidate countries fit for accession", which is taking place today in Berlin with the participation of foreign ministers from a number of EU member states and candidate countries.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that Ukraine is making significant efforts and achieving tangible results in reforming the country. Reforms are vital for Ukrainian society and they make Ukraine stronger and more enduring.
"Ukraine's accession to the European Union will mean strengthening of European security, not its weakening. Ukraine will become an added value, not a burden for the EU. Russia's aggression against Ukraine showed that the EU can be strong and act decisively, but reforming the EU should not demotivate new member states or delay their accession,", - the minister said.
Dmytro Kuleba underscored that the enlargement process should not become a hostage to the EU's internal reforms. Internal reforms of the Union and electoral processes in individual countries should not affect the dynamics of negotiations on the accession of new member states.
"The Ukrainians now have the highest optimism about the European project as such, they are committed to European values and principles. This historic moment and unprecedented level of support is not to be missed. This potential should be used to bring more positive changes to the EU", - said Dmytro Kuleba.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba stressed that the EU citizens themselves would be the first to benefit from the enlargement as it would mean strengthening the capabilities of the common market, human rights and the rule of law and make the EU a stronger player in the world.
Dmytro Kuleba met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye Hakan Fidan in Berlin
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba: "While in Berlin, I met with my Turkish counterpart - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye Hakan Fidan. We focused on the security situation in the Black Sea region and Ukraine’s grain exports to global markets. We also discussed developments in the Middle East".
Dmytro Kuleba met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Filip Ivanović in Berlin
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba: "Good meeting with Montenegro’s Foreign Minister Filip Ivanović . I thanked the new government of Montenegro for its solidarity with Ukraine. Since both of our nations share EU aspirations, we both noted that the EU reform process should not delay the accession of new EU members".
Dmytro Kuleba met with Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba: "I met with my German counterpart and friend Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock to thank her for convening the #FutureEU ministerial conference. I expressed my gratitude to Germany for taking the lead in strengthening Ukraine's air and missile defense capabilities, particularly in light of Russia’s plans to step up attacks on our civilian infrastructure in the winter. We also discussed our bilateral cooperation and the situation in the Middle East".
Dmytro Kuleba met with Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba: “Focused meeting in Berlin with Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. Ukraine will have more weapons and ammunition to defend itself, protect civilians and infrastructure from Russian attacks. We discussed ways to further bolster the German and Ukrainian defense industries alliance”.
Dmytro Kuleba met with main Leader of German Opposition Friedrich Merz
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba: "I met with main opposition leader of Germany, Leader of the Christian Democratic Union Friedrich Merz. I appreciate his point that Ukraine must win the war and that Ukraine’s victory is also in Germany’s best interests. I am grateful for the political unity that exists in Germany between the government and the opposition in supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, as well as in its accession to the EU".
Dmytro Kuleba met with Head of the Federal Chancellery Wolfgang Schmidt
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba: "I was glad to have an in-depth exchange with Head of the Federal Chancellery, Federal Minister for Special Tasks Wolfgang Schmidt on a range of issues.
I reiterated Ukraine’s gratitude to the German people for their continued support. We particularly appreciate the recent decision to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities. More to come in our bilateral relations.
We also discussed President Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula, the situation in the Middle East, the path toward Ukraine’s EU accession talks, and strategic developments in Europe".