Zelensky noted that he discussed with Trudeau security issues, COVID-19, the possibility of expanding the free trade zone and simplifying the visa regime between the countries.
“Canada was not only one of the first to support the independence of Ukraine 30 years ago, but since then it has continued to do so every day – with words and actions,” Zelensky wrote.
Not only was Canada one of the first to support Ukraine’s independence 30 years ago, but it has continued to do so daily, in words and deeds. Thank you for that @JustinTrudeau. Occasionally discussed security, #COVID19, opportunities to expand the free trade zone and simplify the visa regime.
– Vladimir Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa) December 2, 2021
–
He stressed that the Ukrainian people “have constantly felt and are experiencing sincere support from friendly Canada,” writes the press center of the Office of the President of Ukraine (OPU).
“This is especially important and noticeable in the past eight years, when Canada strongly opposes aggression from the Russian Federation“, – said Zelensky, thanking Trudeau for consistent and strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Both politicians “agreed on the need to develop mechanisms to strengthen the economic, political and sanctions pressure on Russia in the event of an escalation of aggression against Ukraine, “is indicated in the message of the GTC.
In addition, Zelenskiy and Trudeau discussed ways to involve Canada in the activities Crimean platformand also the question bringing to justice those responsible for the UIA plane crash flight PS752.
For trips to Canada, Ukrainians must get visas, and for Canadians acts visa-free entry into the territory of Ukraine (they can stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within 180 days).
Consultations on the liberalization of the visa regime between Ukraine and Canada started in 2015.
In September 2017, the then Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klimpush-Tsintsadze stated that Canada not yet ready for a dialogue on visa-free travel with Ukraine… Trudeau explained that in order to start such negotiations, Ukraine must correspond to a “set of clear indicators”.
After the change of government in Ukraine dialogue resumed… June 9, 2020 the topic of visa liberalization was discussed Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmygal and Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Zelensky on June 15, in an interview with Trudeau, said that Ukraine looks forward to progress in the gradual liberalization process Canada visa regime for Ukrainian citizens.
In January 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported that they would create Ukrainian-Canadian Working Group, which, in particular, will work on the issue of visa liberalization between the countries. The corresponding letter of intent was signed by the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Dmitry Kuleba, then Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Mark Mendichino.
Zelensky notedthat “this new instrument will help intensify the bilateral dialogue between Ukraine and Canada on migration issues and simplify the travel regime for Ukrainians to Canada.”
–
– .
