Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman had a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Albert Koenders in the Hague on Wednesday.
The Parties discussed prospects of the liberalization of the visa regime by the European Union for Ukraine, further sanctions against the Russian Federation, as well as the referendum in the Netherlands on the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.
Speaking about the referendum in the Netherlands scheduled for April 6, the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada noted that "of course we are quite concerned over the referendum. However, we do respect your right, your laws and hope that the citizens of the Netherlands will make a right choice."
"Two years ago, many people were killed during the rallies for the European future of Ukraine. The killings continue. Please help our citizens protect their choice," Groysman said.
Groysman noted that Ukraine is currently facing a number of "serious internal and external challenges," in particular, the Russia's aggression against Ukraine. "This is a hybrid war. Ukraine is simultaneously suffering several types of aggression — military, informational, and economic. These times we need solidarity of our friends and feeling of their support," the Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament said.
Groysman also called for retention of the EU sanctions against Russia. "Further sanctions will cost Europe a billion, however, agreements with the aggressor will cost it tens of billions," Groysman said. He noted that Ukraine does fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements, however, noted that Russia systemically violates the agreements.
The Parties also touched the issue of prospects of the liberalization of the visa regime by the European Union for Ukraine. "We still have to tackle two technical issues. I believe that before late this month we will settle them. I do hope for your support," Groysman said.
In turn, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Albert Koenders said that two years ago, he visited Maidan Nezalezhnosti square in Kyiv along with the Benelux ambassadors. "It was obvious for me that then the Ukrainian people made their choice in favor of the Association Agreement. The position of the Government of the Netherlands envisions protection of its signature under the Agreement," Mr. Koenders said.
He agreed that Russia violates the Minsk agreements and that there is a direct relation between the implementation of the Minsk agreements and further retention of the sanctions against Russia. "We have to adhere to this concept," he said. The foreign affairs minister of the Netherlands noted that the issue of further sanctions of the European Union against Russia would be discussed during the presidency of the Netherlands in the European Union. This also will be the time for settling the issue of the liberalization of the visa regime between Ukraine and the European Union, he added.
Mr. Koenders thanked Groysman for his work as the head of the Interagency commission for investigation into the reasons for the Boeing MH17 crash. "I thank you for your personal contribution, especially during the first hours and days after the accident. We will never forget it," Mr. Koenders said.
In turn, speaking about the investigation into the MH17 accident conducted by the Dutch side, Groysman noted that "it is an affair of honor to accomplish the investigation. The guilty must be punished."
Besides, the foreign affairs minister of the Netherlands appreciated the level of cooperation between the two countries. "I believe that the relations between our countries are very good," he said and noted that the Netherlands supports economic and political reforms in Ukraine.