Prime Minister: Latvia and the whole of Europe will continue to support Ukraine in its reform process

On 28 April addressing the participants of the "International Support for Ukraine Conference" in Kiev, the Prime Minister of Latvia Laimdota Straujuma i pointed out that Ukraine faces immense challenges - resolving conflict in the eastern part of the country, preserving the country's territorial integrity and economic growth.

"But you do not face these challenges alone. Latvia and Europe stand with you. And it is clear - Crimea is and will be part of Ukraine," said Laimdota Straujuma. The Prime Minister emphasised that Latvia as the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union has put the Eastern Partnership at the heart of its agenda in developing an open Europe that takes care of its neighbourhood and strives for stability and prosperity.

According to Laimdota Straujuma, the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which has been effective since last year, and the Deep and Comprehensive Trade Agreement, which will take effect on 1 January 2016, can be powerful tools to facilitate economic recovery. "However, this has to be Ukraine's process; it has to be led by Ukraine and the people of Ukraine. It is for Ukrainian institutions, politicians and citizens to drive the reforms that will determine a positive future for Ukraine, by improving public administration, by decentralising decision-making, and by increasing confidence in the business climate," said the Prime Minister.

Latvia has also gone through a difficult reform process, so it can understand Ukraine very well, noted the Prime Minister. "My country has experienced significant and painful reforms over the last two decades. We have adopted the euro and our economy is growing".

In her address, the Prime Minister applauded Ukraine's leadership for the progress it has made in implementing the recommendations of the International Monetary Fund, in tackling corruption-related problems and improving the business climate through deregulation, and in its steps towards local government reform. "Every concrete decision leads towards a more prosperous and stable Ukraine. It benefits the Ukrainian people and the whole of Europe," said Laimdota Straujuma.

Latvia has sought to contribute both through the EU and bilaterally with humanitarian assistance to victims of the conflict, and with financing and expertise to the OSCE mission and the EU Advisory Mission. Technical assistance has also been provided to aid regional development and support small and medium-sized businesses, and to help in a number of other areas. These include agriculture, which is an important part of Ukraine's economy, exports, anti-corruption through help from internationally-recognised Latvian experts, education and raising public awareness about EU integration.