Ukraine, Visegrad Group agree on new format of cooperation

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and the presidents of the Visegrad Group countries have agreed in Bratislava to launch a new format of cooperation.

The press service of the Ukrainian president has reported.

"At a press conference following the meeting the head of the Ukrainian state said that, in particular, it had been agreed to maintain permanent interaction at the level of foreign and defense ministers of the Visegrad Group countries and Ukraine," the press service reported on Sunday.

Poroshenko said that the support that Ukraine received in Bratislava was extremely necessary for it.

"All countries witnessed that we deal with [Russian] aggression. We have to demonstrate the unity of the whole of Europe and solidarity with Ukraine in matters of security and the economy. And I saw this solidarity and support in Bratislava," Poroshenko said, thanking the Visegrad Group countries for such a "strong and clear position."

He also noted that he was "happy with the stylistics of the conversation" as issues of specific support were discussed.

"There was a position that where support is required [the Visegrad Group countries] will come to the rescue. This is exactly what Ukraine needs now," Poroshenko said.

The press service noted that the main issue of the meeting was the issue of security.

"This is a war for freedom and democracy of the entire EU," Poroshenko said.

Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, in turn, thanked the Slovak president for inviting the Ukrainian president to a Visegrad Group meeting. In his opinion, such a format is needed now. He said that the Visegrad Group supports Ukraine, which "opposes Russian aggression." He also supported the idea of establishing a permanent format of interaction between the Visegrad Group and Ukraine at different levels.

At the same time, Hungarian President Janos Ader thanked Poroshenko for what he does to ensure the peaceful settlement of the situation. He also said that Hungary had fulfilled since the very beginning all decisions on the introduction of sanctions against Russia.

Czech President Milos Zeman, in turn, said: "I believe that President Poroshenko will go down in history as president of peace."

Slovak President Andrej Kiska said that all Visegrad Group countries were in solidarity with Ukraine and noted that sanctions were necessary in a time when dialog is not effective.