Ukraine and Switzerland have significant unused potential in cooperation, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Andriy Parubiy, and President of National Council (Lower House) of Swiss Confederation, Christa Markwalder, noted at a joint briefing after their official meeting.
According to Parubiy, the meeting was initiated by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He said the parties discussed cooperation between Ukraine and Switzerland, reforms in Ukraine and security issues during the meeting.
Andriy Parubiy emphasized that Ukraine is interested in Switzerland's further commitment to support Ukraine's territorial integrity and condemn the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation despite neutral sanction status of that country. He thanked Switzerland for assistance it provides to Ukraine.
Christa Markwalder expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with Andriy Parubiy. She noted that the Swiss Parliament cannot be tolerant to violations of the international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity. She also said that despite the fact that her country had not formally joined the sanctions of the EU against Russia, it took certain measures to avoid use of its territory in dodging the sanctions. Ms. Markwalder noted that Switzerland is a part of the sanction chain thus, the trade with Russia has somewhat decreased over the recent years. She also noted that the amount allocated for the development of cooperation with Ukraine has been doubled, which is another proof to Swiss Parliament's commitment to support Ukraine.
The participants in the meeting also discussed economic issues, in particular, investments in Ukraine. Christa Markwalder stressed that Switzerland is one of the largest investors in Ukraine's economy, however, added that huge unused potential can still be noticed. She said Swiss enterprises are already offering jobs, developing Ukrainian economy and establishing new companies.
Andriy Parubiy expressed confidence that the visit of the President of Swiss National Council to Ukraine "will facilitate cooperation with our state, and Switzerland will continue being a strategic partner of Ukraine."