September 7, in the framework of his visit to Brussels, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin met with Vice President of the European Commission, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.

The sides discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine, the process of implementation of the Minsk agreements and Ukraine's progress in implementing internal reforms, including the decentralization process and appropriate amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine, as well as preparation for the local elections.

P.Klimkin stressed the inadmissibility of holding the local elections on the territories, temporary uncontrolled by the terrorists, in violation of the law of Ukraine, which will disrupt the implementation of the Minsk agreements and create obstacles for a political solution of the conflict.

The EU High Representative confirmed strong support from the European Union for the implementation of the Minsk agreements as well as for the Normandy format activity for the restoration of the territorial integrity and peace in Ukraine. It was also confirmed the EU policy of non-recognition of illegal annexation of the Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia.

The Minister noted the importance of continued support of the European Union in the release of Ukrainian citizens illegally detained in Russia, in particular N.Savchenko, O.Sentsov and O.Kolchenko.

The two sides confirmed a common position on the unconditional start of a deep and comprehensive free trade area between Ukraine and the EU on January 1, 2016.

Special attention during the meeting was paid to the implementation of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan as well as to the preparation for the signing of the Common Aviation Area between Ukraine and the EU.

Photo credits: European Union