Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, and Félix Baumann, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation to Ukraine, discussed the issues of humanitarian demining of the territory of Ukraine, the participation of Swiss companies in Ukraine’s recovery, and the strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries.

“We are looking forward to strengthening cooperation with Switzerland in a number of areas. First of all, in the area of humanitarian demining, where Switzerland plays a leading role in the world. This also includes participation in reconstruction projects. Undoubtedly, Ukraine is interested in investments and joint projects of Swiss and Ukrainian companies, as well as in strengthening economic and trade cooperation,” Yuliia Svyrydenko stated.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of humanitarian demining. According to Yuliia Svyrydenko, Ukraine is currently finalising the draft National Mine Action Strategy. The draft will be presented at a major event on humanitarian demining to be held soon in Ukraine. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine also spoke about the current state of survey and clearance of Ukrainian territory, the existing capacity of mine action operators, and the need for equipment, machinery, skilled deminers, etc. According to Yuliia Svyrydenko, Ukraine is working hard with partners to contract the necessary equipment. In addition, Ukraine is interested not only in the supply of, for example, demining machines, but also in localising their production in Ukraine.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine reported to the Swiss Ambassador on the measures taken by the Ukrainian Government to support business and economic recovery, as well as plans for the reconstruction of the country. According to Yuliia Svyrydenko, work is currently underway on the Ukraine Plan for the implementation of the Ukraine Facility programme and the development of sectoral development strategies. Ukraine is interested in attracting investment in the sectors that have been identified as priorities and should become the drivers of the country’s economic growth – agriculture, transport and logistics, IT and communications, etc.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the efforts to be made by the governments of both countries to facilitate contacts between Ukrainian and Swiss businesses and to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Yuliia Svyrydenko invited Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation Felix Baumann to take part in events to be organised by Ukraine on demining.