Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin says it is necessary to bring the team of French President Emmanuel Macron up to speed to facilitate further work of the Normandy Four.
Klimkin reminded that Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had recently met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and had a very informative conversation with Macron.
”There will be contacts with the Macron team in the coming days, and, of course, contacts in a trilateral format,” Klimkin told UNIAN correspondent.
In this regard, he noted that the Ukrainian side plans at meetings with representatives of the new French president`s team ”to fully put them in the picture so that we stay united and have a common position not only at the political level but also at the level of detail.”
”Since we are talking primarily about security, first of all about the release of our hostages, we are also talking about the logic of the road map. As soon as we finish, we will move forward,” the minister stressed.
Also, according to the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, he has already congratulated the new French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on his appointment.
”I certainly conveyed my greetings but I`d also like to say that there will be a very detailed and meaningful conversation on all issues in the coming days. First of all, with regard to our interaction within the Normandy format, as well as other issues,” Klimkin said.
”You know that he had held the post of the minister of defense. He is the one who prevented the sale of Mistrals [French-built helicopter carrier assault ships], i.e. he is someone who understands Ukraine and who has special feelings, and knows what the values are,” the minister stressed.
Klimkin is convinced that after the meeting with Le Drian, there would also be meetings in a trilateral format with the participation of German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. He said the idea was up on the agenda.
As for the possibility of holding the Normandy Four meeting with the participation of Russia, Ukraine`s top diplomat said the positions had to be first coordinated with France and Germany.
In addition, in his opinion, the summit of the G7 leaders held in the city of Taormina in Sicily should also give an impetus to the Normandy Four.
”We are aware of the discussions that took place yesterday and will be held tomorrow during the meeting of the G7, and this will also help give an impetus,” the minister said.
