Talking Points
of the Ambassador of Ukraine to Pakistan Volodymyr Lakomov at the reception on the occasion of
the 27-th Anniversary of Independence of Ukraine

(September 26, 2018)

 

YOUR EXCELLENCY, Federal Minister of Defence Production, Mrs. Zubaida Jalal Khan!

Distinguished Members of the Senate, Parliament and Government of Pakistan, Military Commanders!

Dear Ambassadors and colleagues!

Вельмишановні пані і панове! Dear Ladies and Gentlemen! Хаватінаазрат!

 

Let me thank all of you for felicitating this event with your distinguished presence.

On occasion of the 27th Anniversary of Independence of Ukraine I would like to extend my sincere wishes of peace, love and prosperity to all Ukrainian compatriots as well as to all our foreign partners and friends, especially here in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Last four and a half years have become a period of enormous trials for all Ukrainians. We have experienced an incredible test of the war and crisis caused by Russian aggression.

The enemy murdered thousands and thousands of Ukrainians - military and civilians; men, women, children. Eternal memory, glory and respect to all, who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine. Thanks to their courage and self-sacrifice, we were able to preserve and strengthened the state. The nation was consolidated in defending the country and on deep and all nation patriotism. We have created a strong army and provided international political and diplomatic support for the independence of Ukraine.

Russia does not give up its aggressive plans against Ukraine. Russian troops are still in the territory of Donbas and annexed Crimea.

A few weeks ago, I had to see myself that situation over there remains tense due to constant armed provocations and regular shellings. But it is fully controlled by the Joint Forces of Ukraine. The new format of the military operation in Donbas as well as ongoing reforms in the security and defence sector have built a solid basis for the deterrence of further Russian aggression.

Ukraine remains committed to peaceful resolution of the conflict under the Minsk Agreements. Their logic envisages immediate implementation of their initial security provisions – ceasefire and heavy weapons withdrawal.

Illegal occupation of Crimea remains in the focus of the international agenda. International solidarity with Ukraine has been maintained. New restrictive measures have been added by EU and US to the sanction packages in response to the Russian aggression. So far, sanctions remain the most effective tool to force Russia to bear responsibility for continued aggression against Ukraine.

We thank the US, EU countries, United Kingdom, Сanada, and many other members of world community, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, for the consistent support of Ukraine on the international arena.

For sure, external help is still important for us, but first of all we have to help ourselves.

Despite the ongoing Russian aggression, Ukraine has not only proved its ability to implement reforms over the four years, but also demonstrated amazing results.

Among the key achievements of the Ukrainian Government are maintaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring further economic growth and pursuing systemic and institutional reforms. The macroeconomic indicators for 2017, namely about 2.2% GDP growth, this year it is going to reach 4%, slowing down inflation, decreased state budget deficit to 1.6% of GDP, show that Ukraine has entered a phase of economic growth.

The integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic space is a reliable way to ensure security, strong law and democracy rule, all round development of Ukraine and decent living conditions for people. Such integration is one hundred percent guarantee of our independence.

European integration and implementation of reforms are synchronized processes. The first results of full implementation of the Association Agreement are 29% increase in exports of Ukrainian goods to the EU in 2017. The share of exports to the EU is now almost 43%, compared with 32% four or five years ago.

Today we work on strengthening the positive dynamics and ensuring progress in health, transport, customs and taxation.

Our joint work with the EU resulted in: entry into force and implementation of the Association Agreement; establishment and functioning of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area; introduction and functioning of Visa-Free regime. These three pillars are the solid foundation to proceed with constructing our European future in the years to come.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

As Ukrainian Ambassador in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I am very pleased to admit that in this truly “great hour” for Ukraine Pakistan is among our good friends.

Our bilateral dialogue has always been brotherly and sincere, based upon good friendship and respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. We wish our Pakistani friends to reach new heights of economic growth and prosperity, strengthening of peace and security, achieving their ambitious targets.

We highly appreciate an outstanding cooperation between Pakistan and Ukraine in the military and technical, and industrial fields, agriculture, education and cultural exchange that will proceed in future.

My strong belief is that the relations between our countries are poised to make amazing further advances in the coming years.

I am especially grateful to the Chief Guest Honorable Minister of Defence production for honoring us with your distinguished presence.

I would like also to extend special thanks to our sponsors from the State Company “UKRSPECEXPORT”, as well as to the “TROJANS” company, a flagship of Pakistani industrial and technological development, for your generous assistance in arranging this diplomatic function. Special thanks to Serena managers, staff, and popular edition Pakistan in the World.

Also, I welcome very talented couple, Mr. Tariq Kakar and his wife Natalia. Both of them are popular artists, graduates of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine.

And of course, my gratitude to Ustad Raees Khan, a genuine, like my friend Stefano says, VIRTUOSO of violin. I wish to see him become a winner at the international festivals in Kyiv, like he did in Pakistan and many other countries.

Thank you.

Long live friendship between Ukraine and Pakistan! Glory to Ukraine and God bless Ukraine!

 

Слава Україні!

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