Estonia expert on Ukraine visit calls for ’patient cooperation’

An Estonian expert is visiting the Ukraine to assess the situation in the country.

Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Riigikogu  is on a three day visit to meet with officials in Kiev.

"If we really want to see progress in Ukraine, then we must be prepared for long-term patient cooperation," said Mihkelson.

"Ukraine, that today is fighting for its freedom, faces difficult times and challenges. The more stable the support of friends of Ukraine, the greater the chance for the state to succeed. The most important thing, however, is the knowledge that the freer and more successful Ukraine is, the safer also our future," said Mihkelson.

Mihkelson has meetings in Verkhovna Rada, the Ministry of Defence and the security service planned in Kiev.
In addition, Mihkelson will view the situation in Eastern Ukraine and will meet with regional representatives and representatives of NGOs.

He added that Estonia is ready to fully contribute to the reform processes in Ukraine.

"It becomes particularly acute after the association and a free trade agreement with the European Union enters into force. To embark on that road, Ukraine needs however, a more robust international support to normalize the internal situation," said Mihkelson.