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At the Crimean Platform Summit President Pahor emphasises territorial integrity of Ukraine and calls for sincere dialogue between Ukraine and the Russian Federation and between the European Union and the Russian Federation

Kiev, Ukraine, 23. 8. 2021 | press release, speech

At the invitation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor attended the inaugural Crimea Platform Summit. A joint declaration harmonised between the European Union and Ukraine was adopted at the meeting.

President Pahor supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence and called for a more committed and sincere dialogue between Ukraine and the Russian Federation and the European Union and the Russian Federation.

He expressed his support of international efforts for lasting peace in eastern Ukraine on the basis of the Minsk Agreement and the "Steinmeier Formula".

On the occasion of today’s event, President Zelenskyy awarded President Borut Pahor with the National Order of Prince Jaroslav.

The summit was attended by high-level political representatives from more than 40 countries, including President of the European Council Charles Michel and the presidents of Finland, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova and North Macedonia, as well as the heads of government or ministers of foreign affairs of EU Member States.

At the Crimean Platform Summit President Pahor emphasises territorial integrity of Ukraine and calls for sincere dialogue between Ukraine and the Russian Federation and between the European Union and the Russian Federation
Photo: UPRS

Below is the address of the President of the Republic of Slovenia at the inaugural Crimea Platform Summit. Check against delivery.

Dear President Zelenski,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
Let me state at the very beginning that Slovenia reaffirms its unwavering support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders.

Today's summit comes at the times of growing instability in the region and beyond. I see it as a prominent step in support of joint efforts to keep the illegal annexation of Crimea high on the international agenda.

We have gathered here to demonstrate collective responsibility and tell the world that we care, that the events of 2014 are not forgotten.

Slovenia shares concern over deterioration of human rights situation in the peninsula and reminds Russian Federation to uphold its obligations, under international humanitarian, human rights and maritime law.

We welcome and endorse the Joint Declaration of the International Crimea Platform Participants, as agreed between the European Union and Ukraine.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Nevertheless, I came here to call for a sincere dialogue between Ukraine and Russian Federation, and between European Union and Russian federation.

As a staunch advocate of good neighbourly relations, I sincerely wish Ukraine and Russia will someday settle their bilateral relations.

This will be an extremely difficult and challenging task, which will require a lot of political courage and wisdom.

I firmly believe that sustainable peace, security, development and well-being, can be achieved only through sincere neighbourly relations.

Even in the most difficult of times, it is important to search for dialogue, and to keep channels of communications open.

We welcome and support the efforts of political leadership of Ukraine, as well as of Germany, France, OSCE, and the Russian Federation for the resolution to the Conflict in Eastern Ukraine – based on Minsk Agreements and the so-called Steinmeier formula.

Dear Presidents, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I commend Ukraine for its commitment and progress achieved on that path and encourage authorities to accelerate the reform pace, in particular in the field of rule of law, fight against corruption and independent judiciary.

Let me conclude by saying that Slovenia is committed to a strong partnership with Ukraine on its reform path. We are proud to contribute valuable experience and expertise in the decentralization reform, and will continue to do so.

President Zelenski, I wish you and your country all the best.