In the framework of the working visit to Strasbourg, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko took part in a solemn ceremony of signing the document on visa liberalisation with the EU for Ukrainians.

The legislative act of the EU granting visa-free regime has been signed by President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani and Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela.

“Today is a historical day for Ukraine, for my 45 million nation. And I am absolutely confident that this is a historical day for the EU. Ukraine returns to the European family. Ukraine says final farewell to the Soviet and Russian empire,” Petro Poroshenko said at the press conference upon completion of the ceremony.

According to the Head of State, Ukraine is absolutely decisive to continue reforms. He reminded that just for the visa-free regime with the EU Ukraine implemented 144 reforms.

“I would like to thank President Tajani, because under his prominent leadership the European Parliament by the overwhelming majority switched on the green light for Ukrainians as regards the European future,” the President noted.

Petro Poroshenko thanked the European Commission for the preparation of a legislative proposal and for a very hard work on supporting Ukraine on that track. He also thanked the EU Council and all the member-states for supporting our country.

“This is very important. I always say that the war is not a reason for not providing reforms. And I appreciate the European Parliament for supporting us in this not easy time when Ukraine defends against the Russian aggression,” he said.

The Head of State invited the President of the European Parliament to visit Ukraine. “I would like to use this opportunity to invite President Tajani to visit Ukraine to emphasize that you are a real hero, Mr. President. A hero of Ukraine’s return to the European family,” Petro Poroshenko stressed.

President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani thanked the Ukrainian President for his participation in the ceremony of signing the legislative act of the EU that provides the visa-free regime for Ukrainians and called that moment a “good message for Ukraine”.

“New rules on visa liberalisation are the beginning of a new era,” the President of the European Parliament emphasized.

“Your country is a very proud pro-European country. We need to work together for peace and stability. Your engagement is very important for us. We know the situation is not easy and we need to work a lot. You have our support and we count on your strong engagement,” Antonio Tajani said.

“After this positive decision, the relations between Ukraine and the European Union will be easier,” the President of the European Parliament noted and assured that the European Parliament and other European institutions will continue to work for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.