German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodimir Zelenski in Kiev on Tuesday evening, urging him to implement the formation of the twinning of German and Ukrainian cities.
After visiting Kiev and meeting with the mayor of the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, the German head of state met with Zelensky to show German support for the Ukrainians during the Russian invasion of their country.
«Germans and Ukrainians stand side by side. We share common European values – freedom and democracy – and a deep sense of solidarity in times of war provoked by Russia’s brutal and illegal aggression against Ukraine,» Steinmeier said during a joint press conference with Zelenski.
In this regard, the German president stressed the importance of putting municipal associations «at the center» of bilateral cooperation, a milestone he called «an indispensable part of a vibrant Europe of civil society, good governance and local democracy.»
«After the end of World War II, municipal associations helped unite a divided Europe and promote peaceful cooperation. After Russia brought war back to the European continent, municipal associations are now showing strength in a new form,» Steinmeier has spat at the Ukrainian president.
These municipal partnerships, according to the German head of state, would enable targeted, stable and rapid aid deliveries and the supply of essential goods, and would promote «the exchange of experience» contributing to the economic recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president thanked Steinmeier for German cooperation in the field of security, economy, social development, energy, for humanitarian interaction and cooperation at the international level, in particular in the structures of the European Union and the UN.
«Germany’s contribution to Ukraine’s movement towards peace and restoration of our territorial integrity is significant. Today we held important negotiations with Mr. President, which fully correspond to such relations between our states,» said Zelenski during the press conference.
He also thanked Germany for providing Ukraine with the IRIS-T air defense system, which, according to Zelenski, «has proved to be very good at protecting the sky and saving people».
«It’s really a priority today, we all feel it. I hope we will be able to get some more suitable systems in the near future,» the Ukrainian leader has said, calling for more artillery systems, armored vehicles and «other weapons.»
«I thank Germany for a clear signal to the political and business world that the reconstruction of Ukraine and investments in our country are the reconstruction and development of a future member of the European Union. I also appreciate Germany’s readiness to continue to help us maintain energy sustainability,» Zelenski added.
