The two officials confirmed the interest in continuing political dialogue between their two countries and strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation. They both expressed satisfaction with the enhanced economic cooperation in the past few years.

State Secretary Leskovar commended Ukraine’s progress and efforts in implementing reforms, highlighting that establishing the rule of law, eliminating corruption and ensuring the functioning of an independent judiciary are the priorities of the Ukrainian leadership. She expressed Slovenia’s readiness to continue providing support to Ukraine in the implementation of reforms, especially in decentralisation and regional development.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on the current political and humanitarian situation in Ukraine. State Secretary Leskovar reiterated Slovenia’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. She also expressed support for Ukrainian efforts for a peaceful solution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine through the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. The Ukrainian side thanked Slovenia for its help provided, especially in the form of health rehabilitation and psychosocial assistance for children from conflict areas.

The current situation in the EU and its further enlargement were also discussed.

Also in Kyiv, State Secretary Leskovar met with Vice-Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Yaşar Halit Çevik and Head of the Delegation of the EU to Ukraine Matti Maasikas. The State Secretary also visited the House of Decentralisation, where she met its representatives and discussed the U-LEAD programme; Slovenia participates in the Ukrainian decentralisation reform through the Centre for European Perspective.