Edgars Rinkēvičs: Regardless of external challenges, Ukraine continues demonstrating considerable progress with reform

Latvia welcomes reform efforts maintained by Ukraine and progress made since the Euromaidan, or the Revolution of Dignity, regardless of Russia’s aggression and the illegal occupation of a part of Ukrainian territory, said the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, today, on 7 July 2021, at the Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.

“Although there is still a long way ahead for Ukraine, we must give credit to the number of serious reforms undertaken so far,” Edgars Rinkēvičs said.

He underlined that progress with the decentralisation reform, strengthening financial sector and recent initiatives to reform the justice system demonstrate that Ukraine is on its way to becoming a democratic, economically stable and prosperous state.

The Latvian Foreign Minister added that at the same time it is vital for the laws passed by the Ukrainian Parliament to be materialised in practical measures felt by the Ukrainian society on a daily basis. It is also of pivotal importance to move ahead with a justice sector reform as well as stepping up the fight against corruption.

Latvia is well aware of external challenges faced by Ukraine in the modernisation of its state. Latvia also welcomes the NATO Summit in Brussels on 14 June 2021 reaffirming commitment to the Alliance’s Open Door Policy with regard to Ukraine.

“The illegal annexation of Crimea perpetrated by Russia will never be accepted on the part of the international community. Ukraine’s partners must maintain their unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Edgars Rinkēvičs said. He noted that this year’s destabilizing and provoking actions by Russia near the Ukrainian border and in the Crimean Peninsula with the involvement of Russian military forces have been met with appropriate response and condemnation from the international community.

Latvia welcomes and supports Ukraine’s initiative to launch a new coordination format – the Crimean Platform. According to Edgars Rinkēvičs, this initiative will help keep the need for, and efforts towards de-occupation of Crimea high on the international agenda.

The Ukraine Reform Conference is taking place for the fourth consecutive year since 2017. At the conferences, Ukrainian officials and Ukraine’s partners discuss current achievements in the reform process and share opinions on further reform objectives to be implemented.