Ruslan Koshulynskyi: Ukrainian-Latvian cooperation should become an efficient mechanism for Ukraine on its way to European integration
02 July 2014, 16:34
“I would like to express my gratitude to friendly Latvian people for the support provided to Ukraine and Ukrainians during this complicated period. Especially for humanitarian assistance by providing treatment to those injured during the Revolution of Dignity on the Ukrainian Maidan. We bow low to Latvian people for such important support,” said R.Koshulynskyi, addressing Latvian colleagues.
“Today we follow the paths Latvia has already passed as a full-fledged member of the European Union. Latvia’s experience in implementing and joining a big family of European states is extremely important to Ukraine,” stressed R.Koshulynskyi. According to him, “ratification of the Association Agreement will be considered in as short time as possible, as soon as the President refers it for consideration by the Parliament.”
“This is a very complicated time for Ukraine since we are building a new state and new social relations and, at the same time, we are protecting our country,” said the Ukrainian politician. He believes that Latvian experience is of special importance to Ukraine and “our parliamentary cooperation should be efficient and mutually reinforcing, in view of the knowledge and experience of our parliaments.”
Responding to questions, R.Koshulynskyi informed that the Parliament decided “not to take holidays.” Commenting on the issue of constitutional process, he expressed an idea that “it will be complicated, but successful.”
Within the framework of negotiations, the Parties discussed directions of bilateral relations.
In this context, R.Koshulynskyi stressed the necessity to activate bilateral trade-economic cooperation. He considers that joint sci-tech projects in the IT sphere at the municipal level can be a prospective trend. Thereat, the politician noted that Ukraine is interested in expanding investment cooperation.
Commenting on cultural and humanitarian relations, R.Koshulynskyi expressed sincere gratitude to Latvian leadership for the support of ethnic Ukrainians, residing in Latvia. “I want to express my gratitude to Latvia for the promotion and support provided to the Ukrainian Diaspora. Especially, for allotment of a place for the monument of Taras Shevchenko; for functioning of Riga Ukrainian secondary school; and for the support provided to the department of Ukrainian Literature at the Academic Library of the University of Latvia,” he said.
In her turn, Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica reassured Ukraine in the support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the part of official Riga. “I want to reassure you in the support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the part of Latvian authority. Latvia has always condemned annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and it also condemns actions that are now taking place in the East of Ukraine,” said Latvian MP. On behalf of Latvian people, Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica expressed condolences to Ukrainian people and to the near and dear ones of the families of military men who died or were injured during the military conflict in the East of Ukraine. “I want to reassure you that Latvia is your ally and partner in the European Union and you can always rely on our support, advice and any other assistance,” stressed Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica.
In the course of negotiations, interlocutors stood for the necessity to deepen Ukrainian-Latvian dialogue at all levels, with due regard to grass-roots democracy as an efficient mechanism for mutual understanding.
Ligita Davidova, temporary charge d'affaires and the First Secretary of the Latvian Embassy in Ukraine also participated in the meeting.
***