10 April, 2014

Acting Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Deshchytsia addressed the main session of 7th Kyiv Security Forum, which was attended by Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia Miroslav Lajčák, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, other foreign high officials, Ukrainian and international politicians, representatives of business community and civil society.

During his speech, the Minister noted the unprecedented consolidation of the international community by supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine, condemning acts of the Russian Federation with regard to occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine.

"The military invasion united the Ukrainians around the ideas of the national sovereignty and European future", A.Deshchytsia said. The Minister expressed confidence that due to the strong commitment of the Ukrainian people to the values of freedom and democracy, as well as hard work, Ukraine would be able to achieve its goal of becoming a part of the European Union.

The Foreign Minister stressed that Ukraine does not choose between Europe and Russia. "The only choice is between the past and the future",  he said, adding that the Ukrainian people will make that choice on their own, without any guidance from outside.

The annual international event "Kyiv Security Forum”, started by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation "Open Ukraine" in 2007, is a platform for debate and exchange of opinions on the most pressing security issues in Europe and the Black Sea region. This year the main theme of the 7th Kyiv Security Forum, which takes place April 10-11, concerns the latest developments in Ukraine and at its borders, their causes and possible consequences for the country, Europe and even the entire world. The event is attended by over 400 international and Ukrainian leaders, representatives of political, business and social circles from more than 20 countries.