REUTERS
The top diplomat recalls that the European Union has become Ukraine's largest trading partner.
The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, says the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union helped the Ukrainian economy survive against the backdrop of Russian aggression.
"The assertion that the Association Agreement with the EU destroyed the Ukrainian economy is absolutely groundless," Kuleba said, speaking at the "Right to Power" panel show on 1+1.
On the contrary, he added, "it was the Association Agreement with the EU against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine that helped our economy survive, get on its feet."
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Today, the European Union is "our largest trading partner where we supply our products," Kuleba emphasized, commenting on the statement of co-chairman of the Opposition Platform - For Life party, Yuriy Boyko.
UNIAN memo. In 2014, the European Union and Ukraine signed the Association Agreement, which marked the start of a new period in the development of relations. The agreement is the main tool for closer rapprochement between Ukraine and EU: it contributes to the deepening of political relations, stronger economic ties, and mutual respect for common values.
The economic part of the deal is the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, providing Ukraine with the opportunity to expand trade relations and economic development, as it opens up new markets and helps adapt legislation, standards and regulations in various sectors. The latter will help integrate EU standards into key sectors of the Ukrainian economy.