On Monday 23 November 2015, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the benelux countries conducted a joint working visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kiev for meetings with Ukrainian heads of state and the representatives of international organisations.
The Benelux delegation was led by Belgian Foreign Minister, Didier Reynders, who holds the Presidency of the Benelux Union until the end of the year, as well as Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Bert Koenders.
The Foreign Ministers were received in audience by the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, and with met Prime Minister Iatseniouk as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin. Ministers equally held meetings with representatives of international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE), which deploys a special observation mission in Ukraine, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and with representatives of civil society in Ukraine.
The joint working to Ukraine formed part of the Benelux support to the country in terms of its reform process, and presented an opportunity to discuss in detail the latest developments in the region.
"Ukraine remains a priority for us," commented Minister Asselborn, further stating that "Luxembourg remains committed to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and does not recognise the illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea."
The Ministers' discussions with the Ukrainian authorities focused on its bilateral relations with the EU and the situation in the east of the country. The Benelux Foreign Ministers reiterated their support of recent efforts from France and Germany in terms of the Normandy format, as well as those of the OSCE within the Trilateral Contact Group, but showed regret that the special observation mission of the OSCE is facing continued obstacles in the form of reduced access to the field.
Concerned about the recent increase in cease-fire violations, the Benelux Ministers reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Minsk agreements which were concluded in order to achieve lasting political settlement in east Ukraine. They exchanged views on both security and political and humanitarian measures which still need to be taken to ensure these agreements are met by all parties, with particular emphasis on the importance of an agreement on the modalities of local elections in the Donbass region.
The Ministers congratulated President Poroshenko and the government for their pursuit of constitutional reform despite the difficulties involved. In this way, Ukraine was further encouraged to continue on the path of reform and modernisation, with the Luxembourg Foreign Minister emphasising the need for decentralisation and the urgency of reforming the judicial system, particularly of the Attorney General, who is associated with the fight against corruption.
Photo by MAEE (Benelux Foreign Ministers with President of the Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko)
