On the 16th of August, 2014 in Kyiv the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with the President of Finland Sauli Niinistö.

Petro Poroshenko emphasized the importance of Finland’s support in such a difficult time for Ukraine. According to him, both countries are similar, share European values, respect peace and stability and have a common neighbor.

In his turn, President Niinistö noted: “We have a common neighbor. I would like to assure you and all Ukrainians that small Finland is ready to do everything to help in this situation which is pretty clear for us”. He stressed that it was a pleasure for him to visit Kyiv after Sochi. “The main thing today is to bring peace to Ukrainians who suffer,” he said.

President Poroshenko informed that the previous week had passed in difficult negotiations on humanitarian assistance. “I consider it a great success that we have managed to stop the aggression due to our diplomatic activity with the EU leaders,” the President noted.

The Head of State emphasized the importance of the agreement on coordination of humanitarian assistance by the ICRC. Ukraine has sent its cargo within the international humanitarian assistance but the issue of its security on the territory controlled by militants remains unsolved. “Even in this situation we count on peace, struggle for peace and make everything to bring peace to Ukraine,” the President said.

The President of Finland expressed understanding to the difficulty of Ukraine’s situation and tasks of the Ukrainian government. “Your presidency began in such difficult times that have been rarely faced by any Presidents in the world history,” he said.

Petro Poroshenko called the consideration of the Ukrainian issue on August 30 at the meeting of the EU Council important for Ukraine. He is ready to take part in it to discuss further steps on solving the dangerous situation with the European leaders in case of receiving the invitation from the EU.

The Ukrainian President also informed that the parties had discussed the plan of implementing the Association Agreement with the EU including DCFTA.

Petro Poroshenko expressed gratitude to Sauli Niinistö for the invitation to visit Finland after establishing peace in Ukraine.